As more and more people continue to receive their vaccinations against COVID-19, it’s becoming apparent that it’s really working to protect people from the virus. Even if you do contract the virus, vaccinated people seem to have much milder cases—and that includes death.

It turns out that nearly all the people who have died most recently from COVID-19 were unvaccinated—about 98% to 99% of Americans. In fact, only about 150 of the more than 18,000 COVID-19 deaths just in May were in fully vaccinated people—about 0.8%, or an average of five deaths per day for those with the vaccine.

While there’s still a small chance you can get COVID-19 when you’re vaccinated (as with any vaccine—what’s called “breakthrough infections”), data shows that those who are fully vaccinated accounted for fewer than 1,200 out of over 853,000 hospitalizations due to the virus—about 0.1%.

Because of how effective the COVID-19 vaccine is, “nearly every death, especially among adults, due to COVID-19, is, at this point, entirely preventable,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, adding that the unvaccinated deaths were “particularly tragic.”

Many people don’t understand why people would risk getting the virus and dying when you can get the vaccinate, which prevents it.

The good news across the board: all COVID-19-related deaths have decreased dramatically since the vaccine has been rolled out. Additionally, about 63% of all eligible Americans have received one dose of the vaccine, and 53% are fully vaccinated, meaning they have both doses and have waited the allotted time.

The CDC fully encourages getting vaccinated, deeming that the vaccines are safe and effective and that they cannot give you the virus. While you may have some side effects afterwards, they should go away within just a few days.

Additionally, if you’re fully vaccinated, the CDC advises that you can do many things you did prior to the pandemic—that means forgoing masks, no social distancing, and even being able to go to big events like sports games, weddings, etc.

That said, there are still some things we’re learning regarding the vaccine—for example, how long the vaccines provide protection as well as how well it prevents you from spreading it to others, vaccinated or unvaccinated.

If you haven’t received your vaccination yet and would like to, visit your local doctor, hospital or retail pharmacy—especially in the U.S., vaccines are widely accessible.

Learn more about CDC guidelines about COVID-19 and the vaccine here.

To learn more, check out the video below!

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