The Oregon Health Authority on Thursday reported a small number of cases where Oregonians who received their full vaccinations later contracted COVID-19.
The state defined the ‘breakthrough’ cases as cases where a person received his final dose of vaccine and then contracted COVID-19 at least 14 days later.
Of the more than 700,000 Oregonians now fully vaccinated, as of April 2, health officials have identified only 168 breakthrough cases. This is equivalent to about 0.024% of the group completely vaccinated. Three of the 168 died.
“It is a reminder that although the COVID-19 vaccines Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are very effective in preventing serious COVID-19 diseases and deaths, no vaccine is 100% effective, and there will be breakthroughs in vaccines, ”Oregon Health said. Authority said in a statement.
A loading Pfizer vaccine and syringe.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
The cases occurred across the state in 25 provinces. According to health officials, many of the people who have had breakthrough cases experience asymptomatic infections. A small percentage of cases became ill enough to require hospitalization, and three people died. The state said most cases occurred in people older than 65 and underlying health conditions.
“State and local epidemiologists continue to track and investigate the breakthrough cases of vaccines and are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to gather information that can provide insight into vaccine – related properties. , “the health authority said in its statement.
Oregon is not alone in seeing small amounts of COVID-19 cases after vaccination. The state of Washington reported a similar amount of breakthrough cases at the end of March.
Health officials have said that people who are vaccinated can reduce the risk of breakthroughs by continuing with basic health safety even after being vaccinated, such as wearing masks when they are with other people, giving up social gatherings and holding large gatherings. avoid.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct our percentage calculation: 168 infections out of 700,000 vaccines are about 0.024% of the people who have been fully vaccinated. OPB regrets the mistake.