Michigan's health director has a blunt warning for pandemic vaccine holdouts: "You are risking hospitalization or death."
Michigan fourth-surge reality. (Graphic: Michigan Health & Hospital Association)
That reality check Thursday from Elizabeth Hertel is in a statement citing new data from a Lansing group representing most hospital systems in the state:
As Michigan continues to record high numbers of Covid-19 cases, new data from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) proves that the majority of Michigan residents severely sick with Covid-19 are unvaccinated. ...
Three out of four Covid patients are unvaccinated (76%), 87% of Covid ICU patients are unvaccinated and 88% of Covid ventilator patients are unvaccinated. ...
Michigan's number of hospitalized Covid-19 cases reached a new high this week, with 4,291 patients hospitalized. ... Cases are surging in the unvaccinated population.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services news release also quotes hospital association chief executive Brian Peters:
"Michigan's health care systems are stretched beyond their limits -- so much so that the U.S. Department of Defense is providing clinical staffing support to hospitals throughout the state that are operating at capacity, delaying nonemergency medical procedures and placing their emergency departments on diversion.
"This data confirms what the situation in our hospitals is already telling us: get vaccinated, whether it is your first dose, vaccination for your children or a booster dose."
A mid-November public health advisory says that all Michiganders, even if vaccinated, should wear a mask in indoor public settings. Those who're not fully vaccinated or who are immunocompromised should avoid large crowds or gatherings.
