Most hospitalized covid patients are not vaccinated, authorities warn 011822

- Photo via Social Security -

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Published on Tuesday, January 18, 2022
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

According to a statistical report made by Social Security on Jan. 11, there were more than 212 people hospitalized due to covid-19.

Of these infected patients staying in public hospitals, 150 were in the recovery room and 62 in Intensive Care Units, ICUs.

Most of the patients are over 50 years old and have pre-existing medical conditions associated with risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

Authorities report that patients who were fully vaccinated before entering the hospital, maintained an average stay of 9 days until recovery was achieved. However, for patients who were not vaccinated, the hospital stay was prolonged by an average of 32 days.

In addition, unvaccinated patients were 8.6 times more likely to require hospitalization in an ICU and were most likely 3.68 times more to die, authorities said.

The data shows that, among those who were hospitalized in an ICU, 27.4% were not vaccinated, while 4.8% were fully vaccinated and 1.6% had less than 15 days of having received their vaccine. The people not fully vaccinated had not yet finished the process of developing defenses against covid-19.

In the case of people hospitalized in recovery rooms, 38% had not yet been vaccinated against covid, while 3.3% had only received the first dose and 0.7% had less than 15 days after completing their full immunization.

Of the total hospitalized patients, the majority (33.8%) are residents from San José Province, followed by (18.9%) from Alajuela Province and 12.2% were from Puntarenas Province.

The data shows that having the complete vaccination schedule is an effective factor that reduces the need to stay in an Intensive Care Unit at the hospital, said Susana López Delgado, head of Social Security Statistical Analysis.

Specialists continue their campaign in getting the people in Costa Rica vaccinated against covid-19. They also want people to continue maintaining the health guidelines such as hand washing, 6 feet social distance and wearing a face mask in public places at all times.

The vaccination campaign includes nationals, residency DIMEX cardholders and immigrants regardless of immigration status living in Costa Rica over the age of 5.

People interested in information on the vaccination program, should call the Social Security Covid line 905-225-2000 or visit the Covid Vaccination Campaign website.

As of Friday, approximately 84% of that target population has completed their two-dose treatment.

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How can Social Security get more people vaccinated against covid-19? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com