After temporary program closure last year by the State due to COVID-19, the Texas Safe Riders child safety seat program is back! The program provides free child safety seats to families in Texas who are experiencing financial hardship in an effort to reduce the number of motor vehicle crash injuries and fatalities to children in… Read More

It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. There are a number of things we do to keep ourselves in good health – eating healthy foods, exercising, practicing good personal hygiene, drinking plenty of water, annual well visits with our doctor, getting plenty of sleep, and even getting vaccines to guard… Read More

By Rebecca Myers, MSN, RN for MEHOP

CDC: Fully Vaccinated Adults 65 and Older 94% Less Likely to be Hospitalized with COVID-19

By Rebecca Myers, MSN, RN for MEHOP

Key Points

• Both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines protect against COVID-19-related hospitalizations for fully vaccinated adults 65 and older
• Everyone 16 years of age and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible
• Getting vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19

In a press release issued on April 28th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that a new assessment shows that fully vaccinated adults 65 and older were 94% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than people of the same age who were unvaccinated. People in this same group who were partially vaccinated were 64% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than the unvaccinated group¹.

• You are considered ‘fully vaccinated’ two weeks after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• You are considered ‘partially vaccinated’ two weeks after your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

These real-world findings confirm that both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines prevent severe COVID-19 illness. According to the CDC two-thirds of people aged 65 and over in the U.S. are already fully vaccinated¹.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is a coronavirus that caused a world-wide pandemic of respiratory illness². Over three million people worldwide have died from COVID-19, over 500,000 in the U.S³.

How Does Coronavirus Spread?

Coronavirus spreads with person-to-person contact. An infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes and the droplets (infectious viral particles) land in the mouth or nose of an uninfected person close by⁴.

How Can I Protect Myself And Others?

Harvard Health recommends these actions to keep yourself and other safe:

• Wear a face mask
• Maintain distance between yourself and others.
• Socialize outdoors
• Avoid close contact with people who a sick.
• Minimize touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Get vaccinated as soon as possible.

How Do I Know If I Have COVID-19?

According to Johns Hopkins Health, COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• New fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion or runny nose

Some people diagnosed with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some develop severe symptoms and must be hospitalized.

If you have fever and any symptoms listed above call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms before you go anywhere. Then, follow their advice.

When Should I Call 911?

The healthcare providers at MEHOP⁵ advise that if you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Blueish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC Vaccinated Adults Less Hospitalized. Released April 28, 2021.

2. Johns Hopkins Health. What is Coronavirus? Updated April 30, 2021.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home. Updated April 30, 2021.

4. Harvard Health. Preventing the spread of coronavirus. Updated April 28, 20201.

5. Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program (MEHOP). MEHOP.org. Retrieved April 30, 2021.

To simplify the scheduling process for COVID vaccines, MEHOP has implemented on-line scheduling. Appointments are scheduled real-time for upcoming vaccine clinics available at MEHOP locations in Bay City and Wharton. Once the appointment is scheduled, a confirmation will display on the screen and a confirmation email will also be sent. You DO NOT need to… Read More

After a delay caused by unprecedented winter weather, MEHOP received 2nd dose vaccines the week of February 22nd, a week after their anticipated arrival date. Those who received their 1st dose vaccinations at MEHOP’s prior vaccination clinics in Bay City and Wharton have been scheduled to receive their 2nd dose with this latest shipment. Once… Read More