SYSTEM NOTICE

Auto translation by AI. Be sure, accuracy, nuances and authorial intent may not be fully reflected.
見出し画像

Has the COVID-19 risk for the elderly really decreased? The reality seen from the latest data

Buzzreach公式note

#ElderlyVaccination #VaccinationRate #COVID19FatalityRate #InfluenzaComparison #MedicalLiteracy #InfectiousDiseaseRisk #MedicalLens

Since the classification of COVID-19 under the Infectious Diseases Control Law was downgraded to 'Category 5,' our lives have changed significantly. The handling of masks and vaccines has been left to individual judgment, and a sentiment that 'it's already over' or 'it's the same as a common cold' is spreading throughout society.

However, is that really the case? Especially for the elderly who are at high risk of severe illness, is COVID-19 no longer a threat?

The reality of 'severe illness risk' seen through data

According to the US CDC, about 60% of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in 2023 were 65 or older. In Japan, according to announcements by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the fatality rate for those in their 80s is 5.4%, and for those in their 70s, it is 2.6%, which is clearly higher than the fatality rate for the same age groups for influenza (0.2–0.5%).

In other words, the perception that 'it's no big deal if you catch it' is still a very dangerous assumption for the elderly population.

*The influenza fatality rate is an estimated value calculated by us based on the number of age-specific death reports and the estimated number of patients based on sentinel reports in the 'Infectious Diseases Weekly Report' by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) (number of patients / number of deaths).

What is the effect of vaccination?

In studies by the Australian Department of Health and the CDC, when comparing elderly people who received booster shots with those who were unvaccinated,

  • Infection rate: Significantly higher in the unvaccinated

  • Severe illness rate: Up to 4 times higher

  • Mortality rate: Up to 14 times higher

These are the results.

It is clearly shown in the data that the decision to get vaccinated or not makes a difference that is directly linked to life.


The main factors are as follows:

  • The transition to Category 5 made it easier to perceive it as a 'normal illness'

  • The introduction of out-of-pocket costs created an atmosphere of 'I don't have to go out of my way to get it...'

  • Many people around us had mild cases, which lowered the sense of crisis

  • Information dissemination has decreased, making it harder for the latest risk information to reach people

These are factors that create a gap between perception and reality.

Correct understanding saves lives

For the elderly, COVID-19 remains a disease that carries a heavy risk. And one of the effective ways to lower that risk is vaccination, which has been scientifically proven.

It is essential for surrounding family members, medical professionals, and the local community to provide accurate information regarding the latest risks and preventive measures. We believe that is the first step toward preventing the next wave.

"SearchMyTrial" lists recruitment information for domestic clinical trials in multiple disease areas, allowing you to easily check specific information necessary for participating in a trial, such as eligibility criteria, participating facilities, participation procedures, and compensation details.
This is an important step in confirming safety and efficacy and contributing to the realization of future vaccinations, so please check the details via the link below.

Sources:
・Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "Domestic Trends in COVID-19 Infections (2023)"
・National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Estimates of Influenza-Associated Deaths (2023)"
・CDC COVID-NET (USA)