Reporting from the Delta in the Midst of the Delta Variant and Supplemental Report

Reel Urban News Special Report Delta Variant

By MeShonya Wren-Coleman, Ph.D.

As humans, we take so much for granted, especially life. Covid-19 made its presence like a tidal wave in spring 2020 affecting the lives of thousands. No one knew that this deadly virus would end so many lives and have others fighting for their own life. Once the vaccination for Covid-19 came available, I didn’t think it would take the act of Congress for individuals to get vaccinated. I find it selfish that you would risk your life and the lives of others with this deadly disease. 

In Mississippi, only 35.2% have been fully vaccinated which is about 1.05 million out of 2.98 million according to USA facts. The lowest number of those being vaccinated are African Americans or Black Americans. My question is simply, why? Why risk it? 

We have medical experts who are testing the vaccines over and over so that lives can be saved and we can prevent others from getting Covid-19. My 10-year-old daughter is in fear of her life. I thought by now, especially with school back in session, that the vaccine would be available for her age group. She’s ready for her dose without any fear. Having first-hand experience with family members being diagnosed with the virus and also hospitalized, there is no doubt in my mind that everyone should get vaccinated and not continue to take your life or the lives of others into your own hands.

A doctor at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi informed me that those who get vaccinated have a very low risk of getting the virus and if they do test positive, their symptoms would be less serious than those who did not get the vaccination. Those numbers of patients being seen at Baptist with the virus have not been vaccinated. There have been approximately three patients that have been vaccinated who tested positive for the virus but had minor symptoms. 

Now we have another strain, Delta Variant, that will attack the body even more vigilantly than Covid-19 without the vaccination. It’s my plea that everyone put aside their selfishness, foolish pride, non-qualified expertise and find the nearest facility and get vaccinated. You’re not only saving your life but the lives of others. Please continue to mask up, avoid large populated events, wash your hands and sanitize frequently. Keep me safe, keep my 10-year-old daughter safe, and keep America safe!!!

Supplemental Reporting

What’s the nation’s progress on vaccinations? 

At least 195,222,906 people or 59% of the population have received at least one dose.

Overall, 166,654,374 people or 51% of the population have been fully vaccinated.

Percent of people receiving vaccines in the US 9 Aug4 Jul29 May24 Apr20 Mar10 Feb0%20%40%60%80%100%

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. see more
In the US, 407,560,705 doses have been distributed so far, with 86% or 351,933,175 of the doses used.

0%50%100%

How do COVID-19 vaccinations differ by sex? 

Percent of people by sex receiving at least one dose or fully vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is sex information for 91% of people who received at least one dose and 91% of fully vaccinated people.

0%50%100%FemaleMale

What percentage of people in each age range received the COVID-19 vaccine? 

Percent of people by age receiving at least one dose or fully vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is age information for 92% of people who received at least one dose and 92% of fully vaccinated people.

0%50%100%<12yrs12-1516-1718-2425-3940 to 4950 to 6475 and older65 to 74

What percentage of people in each race or ethnic group received the COVID-19 vaccine? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is race or ethnic information for 58% of people who received at least one dose and 63% of fully vaccinated people.

0%50%100%American Indian/Alaska NativeAsianBlackHispanic/LatinoNative Hawaiian/Pacific IslanderMultiple/OtherWhite

Excluding the Hispanic/Latino category, all groups include the non-Hispanic population only.