New report: Unvaccinated 'three times more likely to test positive'

Friday 07 January 2022

People who have not been vaccinated against covid in Jersey were "around three times more likely" to test positive for covid in the latter half of 2021, accordingly to newly released Government data.

A report published this afternoon, based on analysis of positive cases between July and November last year, said that “unvaccinated people were between 2.2 - 3.7 times more likely” than those with a double dose.

The report added that it “should not be used as a scientific estimate of vaccine efficacy, for many reasons including the very small population size”, but that “Jersey’s data is, however, in line with the results of controlled clinical trials and real world data from other jurisdictions".

The figures presented showed that, as of November last year, 5.7% to 6.1% of unvaccinated islanders tested positive, 4.5% to 5.0% of single vaccinated islanders tested positive, while only 1.9% of vaccinated islanders tested positively.

Government officials said they would now be publishing the figures monthly, with December’s data currently being validated.

Pictured: The Government released a table detailing positivity cases by vaccination status from July till November.

When asked by Express on whether they had figures around the vaccination status of those hospitalised with covid, they said that data was still being “considered” for release, though Director of Public Health Peter Bradley said: “If you’re vaccinated you’re far less likely to be admitted to hospital."

Commenting further on the new findings, Professor Bradley said: “The report we have published today demonstrates how individuals who are either not vaccinated at all, or are not up to date with their vaccination schedule are more likely to get a positive covid-19 result when tested. 

“The information this data provides us is particularly important as we move through the fourth wave and continue to fight the pandemic. The data provided in the report is what we expected and is in line with data from other jurisdictions around the world; it reiterates the importance of vaccination and supports our Public Health guidance to Islanders. I hope that this evidence will encourage more Islanders to come forward for their vaccines.”  

Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf added: “I am pleased that this data has been collated and we have been able to put together this report that re-emphasises our strong recommendation to all Islanders aged 12 and over to get vaccinated against covid-19. 

“All vaccine eligible Islanders are welcome to walk-in to Fort Regent’s Vaccination Centre without a booked appointment any day of the week, to get their first, second, or booster dose. 

“If you have not yet had your first dose, it is not too late, and your vaccine is waiting for you. It is important that Islanders get up-to date with their vaccination schedule in order to reduce the spread of infection in the workplace, community and at home. Vaccination remains our best defence against the virus so ensuring you are fully vaccinated, or on your way to becoming fully vaccinated, in order to reduce the impact of waning immunity is absolutely vital.” 

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