Yale University Study: NYC Has Saved Thousands Of Lives, Prevented Quarter Million Cases With COVID Vaccine Rollout
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- As coronavirus cases rise across the country, New York City officials are continuing the push to get more people vaccinated.
A new study from Yale University shows how beneficial vaccines have been in the city. It finds vaccines saved more than 8,300 lives and prevented more than 44,000 hospitalizations and 250,000 cases.
"This success is particularly noteworthy given the emergence of more transmissible variants, including the Delta variant. Our study underscores that the swift vaccine rollout in New York City has played a pivotal role in reducing the COVID-19 burden and in curbing surges for more transmissible emerging variants," said Dr. Alison Galvani, the director of the Yale Center for Infectious Disease, Modeling and Analysis.
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On Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio showed the public proof on paper that vaccinations are paying off.
"Hospitalizations have gone way down. Thank God," de Blasio said. "When you look at this Yale study, I will hold this up here. This is really powerful."
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There are 800 vaccination sites in the city right now, with 75 additional pop-ups operating in various locations every day, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.
"It's better safe than sorry to be protected," one New Yorker said.
READ MORE: Rise Of Delta Variant Generating Confusion About COVID Vaccine, Boosters, And More
The mayor said the city will continue to deploy mobile vaccine units, send out door-to-door canvassers, and deliver in-home vaccine services to anyone who asks for it.
The campaign also zeroes in on medical offices within 76 zip codes with the lowest vaccination rates.
"Working with doctors, particularly pediatricians, to reach their patients systematically," de Blasio said.
The city said the extra push with pediatricians comes as parents and kids return to those offices for back-to-school physicals.