Nations that have vaccinated large proportions of their populations against the coronavirus have reduced their infections, hospitalizations and deaths. However, others that have not done so yet like Brazil, India, Indonesia, and South Africa, are experiencing huge surges. And then in the middle we find societies where some citizens refuse vaccinations outright. But both logic and science suggest they will face a pandemic among their unvaccinated fellow citizens.
The Early Warning Signs Are Clear in the United States
Dr. Rochelle Walensky from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spoke at a White House briefing July 16, 2021. CNN Health cites her saying ‘This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated’.
She continued ‘We are seeing outbreaks of cases in parts of the country that have low vaccination coverage. That’s because unvaccinated people are at risk. Meanwhile, ‘communities that are fully vaccinated are generally faring well.’
But the pandemic of unvaccinated citizens is apparently most intense in five U.S. states making up 40% of new cases in the country. According to White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients ‘one in five cases are occurring in Florida alone’.
How Serious Might a Pandemic of Unvaccinated Citizens Be?
We now have a clear model emerging in Brazil, India, Indonesia, and South Africa where vaccination rates are low. Outbreaks become more intense in communities that don’t wear face masks and socially distance for whatever reasons. Moreover, infections spill over to vaccinated communities where they cause milder infections.
This trend is also accelerating with the Delta variant which is spreading like wild fire. ‘The bottom line is we are dealing with a formidable opponent in the Delta variant,’ Dr. Fauci told the briefing. ‘People who are not vaccinated therefore face extreme vulnerability.’
Some states have begun re-implementing their mask mandates. Falling behind the vaccination schedule shouldn’t stop people from getting their second dose, Dr. Rochelle Walensky explains. ‘Therefore, if you are beyond that window, I want to reiterate: There is no bad time to get your second shot.’
Related
Indonesia Overtakes India as COVID Hot Spot
Wearing Masks in Low Vaccination Places
Preview Image: U.S. Cases Last Seven Days
