Most Vaccinated MA Residents Avoid Death, Serious COVID Illnesses

MASSACHUSETTS — Unvaccinated Massachusetts residents are five times more likely to become infected with the coronavirus than fully vaccinated residents and 31 times more likely to be infected than fully-vaccinated people who also received a booster, according to a report released by the state Department of Public Health Monday.

"The data are clear. This review shows that fully vaccinated people in Massachusetts have near-universal protection from severe illness and death and that boosters are demonstrating even stronger protection from COVID," said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. "Amid the season of gathering indoors and the emerging Omicron variant, the time to get vaccinated and boosted is now."

The report also showed vaccinated people who did become vaccinated were less likely to suffer serious symptoms, with nearly 97 percent surviving and staying out of the hospital. For fully-vaccinated people under 60 diagnosed with a breakthrough case, nearly 99.9% were not hospitalized and did not die. No fully-vaccinated people under 30 diedfrom breakthrough cases, according to the report.

The review comes as COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Massachusetts and around the world, driven by the new Omicron variant, colder weather pushing people indoors and holiday season gatherings.

The report was released shortly after Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Boston will require vaccination proof for some indoor spaces Monday. Starting January 15, proof of vaccination will be required for residents ages 12+ in select indoor dining, fitness and recreation venues.

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