COVID surge impacts NPMC; 83% of patients unvaccinated
The COVID-19 omicron variant continues to fuel an uptick in hospitalizations throughout the nation and National Park Medical Center is no exception, as it continues to see a rise in cases, especially among the unvaccinated population.
NPMC CEO Scott Smith said Wednesday the number of COVID hospitalizations has steadily increased over the past month.
“National Park Medical Center’s top priority is to provide safe, high-quality care to those we serve,” he said. “Over the past several weeks, we have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 patients, and we have certainly felt the impact.”
Smith said the hospital was currently treating more than 10 patients who tested positive for COVID, and 83% of them were unvaccinated.
“While there are some breakthrough cases, the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s) studies reflect that COVID vaccines, and especially booster vaccines, are proving to be highly effective against the variant,” he said. “We continue to encourage our entire community to help fight the spread of COVID-19 by becoming vaccinated and boosted. It is also wise to wear a mask, socially distance from others and prac- tice proper hand hygiene to help slow the spread of illness.”
Smith referenced a recent CDC report noting unvaccinated persons are five times more at risk for testing positive for COVID-19 and 14 times more at risk for dying, compared to a fully vaccinated person. Compared to those fully vaccinated who have also had the booster dose, the unvaccinated were 10 times more at risk for contracting the disease and 20 times more for dying.
NPMC has available beds and staff to take care of patients, Smith said, and he encourages everyone to seek care as it is needed.
“Don’t delay out of fear or doubt,” he said. “We have protective measures in place, including the requirement of masks for all staff, visitors and patients, enhanced cleaning protocols and isolation of patients with infectious diagnoses. For those patients diagnosed with COVID-19, we encourage you to talk with your provider about available therapies and treatments.”
He said they have multiple treatment options available in the inpatient and outpatient settings, including the monoclonal antibody infusions among others.
According to the latest national hospitalization projections from the CDC, the number of new, daily confirmed COVID-19 hospital admissions will likely increase with 11,400, to 28,800 new confirmed admissions by Jan. 21.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said recently that with the quick spread of the omicron variant as well as its “potential to impact all facets of our society,” prevention itself is the best option.
“Get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather,” she said.
Smith and CHI St. Vincent President Dr. Doug Ross have both stressed the importance of the booster shot. While the COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe disease, CDC studies suggest their effectiveness at preventing infection or severe illness wanes over time, especially in people ages 65 and older.
The emergence of omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against the virus. Clinical trial data from the CDC showed that a booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished a Pfizer or Moderna primary series 6 months earlier.
As health officials await possible faster surges in the coming weeks with the reopening of schools, Smith said NPMC “will continue to adjust our care and protective precautions in keeping with our mission of Making Communities Healthier.”