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The recent CDC report concerning an Eastern Kentucky Nursing Home has refocused concern on the rapidity of spread of the COVID-19 virus along with the dangers of new variants wielding immunity escaping mutations. However, the report is also a testament to the ability of the COVID-19 vaccine to stop this pandemic.
There were 83 residents in the Kentucky Nursing Home who were exposed to a virus harboring the E484K (EeK) immunity escape mutation. The spread in the facility was relentless, but only 25% of the vaccinated residents compared to 75% of the unvaccinated residents acquired the virus. The vaccine’s ability to prevent severe disease was even more impressive, with 2.8% of the vaccinated residents requiring hospitalization compared to 50% of the unvaccinated residents.