3 Things to Know About COVID-19

3 Things to Know About Breakthrough Cases

Daily COVID-19 case counts, hospitalizations and deaths are on the rise in South Carolina. Much of this is among unvaccinated individuals. Breakthrough infections, or cases in vaccinated individuals, have also increased. Here’s 3 things to know about breakthrough infections:

1. Breakthrough cases are expected. No vaccine is 100% effective. As case counts rise, it makes sense that breakthrough cases would also increase as there is more spread in the community.
2. The COVID-19 vaccine still provides solid protection from the Delta variant. The FDA-approved vaccines provide protection from severe illness. In South Carolina, the majority of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated individuals.
3. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you need to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including wearing a mask. Follow local guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Vaccines are an important weapon in the defense against disease, and the COVID vaccine is no exception. It has proven to be effective against serious illness and reduced risk of death from infection.” — Dr. Matt Bartels, Chief Medical Officer

Find more guidance and details by following the @CDC and @SCDHEC. Find more of our #COVID19 blogs here: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/live-healthy/blog/categories/covid-19/

3 Things to Know about COVID-19 and Pregnancy

With COVID-19 case counts increasing and the Delta variant spreading across South Carolina, pregnant women and recently pregnant-women have become at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 compared with people who aren’t pregnant. Here’s 3 things pregnant women should know:

1. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone over the age of 12, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations during pregnancy has been growing. This data suggests the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.
2. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of preterm birth and might be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
3. There is no evidence that any vaccines cause fertility problems in women or men.

“The evidence continues to grow on the safety and effectiveness of the COVID vaccine in pregnant women. We encourage all eligible women to talk to their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated to reduce their risk.” — Dr. Matt Bartels, Chief Medical Officer

To find a vaccination location near you, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) website: https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/

For more information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html