November data shows majority of Sask. COVID hospitalizations were unvaccinated

New information released by the Government of Saskatchewan on Tuesday continues to prove the favourable health outcomes after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Throughout November, the hospitalization rate was 35 per 100,000 cases for those who were unvaccinated versus six per 100,000 cases who were fully vaccinated.

The rate for ICU admissions was eight out of every 100,000 for the unvaccinated and two out of 100,000 for the fully vaccinated. Deaths related to COVID was five per 100,000 for the unvaccinated versus one per 100,000 for the fully vaccinated.

Case, hospitalization breakdown

Of the 3,361 cases reported in November, 2,004 — or 59.6 per cent — were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination.

As well, 150 cases (4.5 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while 1,207 cases (35.9 per cent) were fully vaccinated. Of the fully vaccinated, 19.9 per cent (240 cases) had comorbid conditions and 15.9 per cent (192 cases) were 65 years and older.

Of the 173 people hospitalized due to COVID-19 in November, 116, or 67 per cent, were unvaccinated.

Eight cases (4.6 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose; 49 cases (28.3 per cent) were fully vaccinated.

Four of those people were between the ages of 12 and 19. Another 10 patients were 11 years old and younger.

Forty-three people were sent to ICU last month. Of those cases, 27 people (62.8 per cent) were unvaccinated, one person (2.3 per cent) was partially vaccinated and 15 people (34.9 per cent) were fully vaccinated.

One person was between the ages of 12 and 19. One was 11 years old and younger.

Twenty-six people diagnosed last month died from COVID-19 in November with 15 of those cases being unvaccinated.

Breakthrough cases

Of the the cases reported in November, 40 people had an onset of illness at least two weeks after receiving a third COVID‐19 vaccine.

Sixty-five per cent of those, or 26 cases, were between 20 and 69 years old. Thirteen cases, or 32.5 per cent, were 70 and older. An additional 13 cases had at least one comorbid condition.

Thirty-five cases, or 87.5 per cent, were not hospitalized and five cases, or 12.5 per cent, were hospitalized. No deaths were reported among the 40 cases.

Since August, 10 people who have received a booster shot have been hospitalized. Seven of those people died from COVID-19.

Of the 31,029 cases reported since August, 103 people have “had an onset of illness” after getting a booster shot.