With all the increased cases for the United States, and with the Covid case trends and mandates surfacing across the country, North Dakota is ready to be another totalitarian state. Here are the most important numbers of the North Dakota Covid Dashboard with a review of the vaccine numbers.
So far we are lucky with only 2 in the ICU. There are a high number of 50 + year old patients in the hospital. This continues to support that health care messaging is not directed toward the vulnerable. But a shotgun approach at the population.
(ABOVE) 68% of those in the hospital are older than 50 and most likely have several co-morbidities. 97% of all deaths are older than 50.
Many 50 + year old patients are vaccinated. The remainder may need more information. They have hesitancy because of the awful messaging out of the ND Dept. of Health, CDC, and White House experts. Improving the 50-70-year-old percentage vaccinated who have co-morbidities may help the hospitalization rate. But growing data is showing the Pfizer vaccine has limited protection from infection and transmission and death. The most vulnerable are the ones the vaccines are having trouble keeping out of ICUs.
Anyone below 30 years of age in North Dakota, unless having medical co-morbidities, does not need the vaccine. (BELOW) Even the ED visits are low in that age group with high case rates. That should help the herd immunity build.
Covid-19 transmission is perpetual. Through 2021, the vaccines will be shown to have problems.
My Medical Opinion
If you are older than 50 years of age, have more than one co-morbidity like heart or vascular disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney function problems, cancer, or any other immunologic disorder, then the vaccine complication risk is lower than the Covid-19 infection risks, currently.
I do stand by my recommendations. Without a formal physical exam and interview, I can’t guarantee there are no other health variables that would change my individual guidance.