The latest PHE
estimates suggest that 143,600 hospitalisations have been
prevented in those aged 65 years and over in England as a result
of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, up to 22 August.
For the latest report, the estimates used in the model were
updated to use more recent vaccine effectiveness estimates.
Therefore, an increase in the number of hospitalisations averted
was seen in this report compared to previous reports.
Approximately 36,100 admissions were prevented in those aged 65
to 74, 58,800 in those aged 75 to 84, and 48,700 in those aged 85
and over.
The indirect effects of the vaccination programme are not
included in this analysis. There is increasing evidence that
vaccines prevent infection and transmission. Therefore, the
figure of 143,600 hospitalisations prevented is likely to be an
underestimate.
The number of hospitalisations averted by vaccination can be
estimated by considering vaccine effectiveness against
hospitalisation, vaccine coverage and observed hospitalisations,
as well as through modelling.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at PHE, said:
These figures show the vital role that vaccines play in
preventing hospitalisations and in turn reducing the pressure on
the NHS.
The vaccine helps protect you and those around you. To gain
maximum protection, it is important that you get 2 doses of the
vaccine.
