Younger age groups lead to rise in COVID-19 hospital admissions in Michigan

Michigan’s COVID-19 hospital admissions are on the rise again, but data shows that the younger age groups are driving the increase.

Inpatient data collected by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) show that the number of hospital admissions with 633% for adults aged 30-39 and with 800% for adults aged 40-49.

The growth rates of hospitalizations decline as vaccination coverage by age group increases, with hospitalizations increasing by only 37% for adults aged 80 or older, of which 44% of the population is fully vaccinated in the state.

Groups under 50 are currently among the lowest vaccinated groups in Michigan as suitability for the 16 and older groups increases.

As of March 23, there were a total of 1,659 patients in Michigan hospitals for COVID-19, including 356 in intensive care and 133 on ventilator. The total number of patients admitted has doubled since the end of February.

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“Michigan is making progress in ultimately defeating the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing vaccination coverage, but the war is not over yet,” said Gary Roth, DO, MHA’s chief medical officer. “Now is not the time to let our guard down and run the risk of contracting COVID-19 with the emergence of more infectious variants and the widespread availability of vaccines. My recipe to all Michiganders is to wear your mask, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and when it’s your turn, get your vaccine. You should continue to take preventive measures even after you have been vaccinated because it takes at least two weeks for a vaccine to be fully protected after the last dose, and it will take time to vaccinate everyone. “

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Michiganders is being urged by the MHA to commit to proven COVID-19 preventative measures and to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them amid increasing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

“While much of our healthcare workforce is vaccinated, caring for a third increase in COVID-19 patients is mentally and physically draining for all primary care providers,” said Brian Peters, CEO of MHA. “Failure to follow proven preventive measures is not only dangerous to our health, but also damages our economy and delays when personal activities, such as returning to work, can take place with minimal restrictions. It will take a few more months to vaccinate everyone, so we must do everything we can to slow down the current growth. While you wait your turn for your safe and effective vaccine, mask yourself, practice social distance, and wash your hands. “

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Deeper dive: Special COVID-19 data section