March 12, 2021, 5:51 PM HST
The Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) noted the first three “breakthrough” cases of coronavirus on Friday, which is not as positive as it sounds.
A breakthrough case describes an incident where a fully vaccinated person (someone who has received both doses) later contracted COVID-19.
“This number is not beyond what we would expect with nearly 165,000 people in Hawai’i fully vaccinated,” said a statement released by the DOH Friday.
A vaccine with an efficacy of 95% protects 95 out of 100 people. This means that 5% can still get COVID if exposed.
“This is another reason why we should all do our part to keep the number of cases low,” the department continued. “The lower the prevalence of COVID in the community, the less likely any of us, even those who have been vaccinated, will be infected.”
It is important to note that none of the individuals with “breakthrough” COVID became seriously ill and none are known to have transmitted COVID to another person. Studies on all three currently approved vaccines circulating in the US show that they are nearly 100% effective in stopping positive cases resulting in hospitalization and / or death, in other words “severe” cases of COVID-19. infection.
“The vaccines prevent serious illnesses for which they are intended,” said the department.