New info shows 41% of 75 and older vaccinated

27% of New Mexicans age 66-74 have received at least one dose

New information posted to the state’s COVID-19 vaccination website on Thursday shows more than 40% of New Mexicans age 75 and older have been vaccinated. On Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported 28% of those 75 and older had received at least the first dose.

Matt Bieber, state Department of Health spokesman, said the new numbers in part reflect additional vaccinations given on Thursday, and as it pertains to the 75 and older group, were adjusted because of an error “with the denominator for that age group.”

The DOH website breaks down the number of vaccinations by those age 75 and older at 41%, or 62,957 people out of 153,589 in that population statewide.

For the age group of 66-74, 27% of that population have received at least one dose.

Fourteen percent of New Mexicans between 16 and 65 have been vaccinated, the website reports.

Under the state’s tiered system of prioritizing the most vulnerable New Mexicans, first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, congregate care workers and medical workers of any age are first in line in the 1a group. Next in priority, in the 1b subgroup, are those 75 and older, followed by those 16 and older with health conditions.

Meanwhile, as COVID-19 cases are on the decline statewide and a massive vaccination effort is underway, New Mexico health officials still are warning people against holding large gatherings this Super Bowl Sunday, which they said could give the virus a chance to spread.

As with traditional holidays, the state is offering advice on how to navigate the day and safely watch the big game.

The best way is only with people in your household. If people do insist on gathering in groups, health officials asked that they take standard precautions like wearing masks, limiting the number of guests, opening windows and encouraging guests to bring their own food and drink.

“This is not forever,” Health Secretary-designate Dr. Tracie Collins said in a statement. “We will come together again safely — and soon. If people are worried about hurting anyone’s feelings by telling friends and family they won’t be attending a Super Bowl party, they shouldn’t be.

“Not attending is the best way to show you do care. Next year, we will all be able to cheer on our favorite teams.”

State health officials announced 565 new COVID cases on Thursday, as well as 17 deaths. For the last week, the state has averaged 643 new cases per day and 18.57 deaths related to COVID-19 each day.

Bernalillo County had the most new cases with 159, followed by Doña Ana County with 94. The deaths included seven women and 10 men, ranging in age from their 40s to 90s. Most were hospitalized and had underlying health conditions. Three of the dead were from Bernalillo County and three were from San Juan County.