In October, those who weren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 had a three-and-a-half-times greater risk of testing positive and more than a 15-times greater risk of dying from the virus.
That’s according to a new report from the Arizona Department of Health Services that shows for the first time Arizona’s case and death rates by vaccination status.
Officials say it underscores the importance of getting vaccinated for all age groups, and that the shots continue to be the best tool to prevent COVID infections.
Meanwhile, health officials Wednesday reported more than 3,500 new known infections statewide and 18 more deaths as hospitalizations from the virus dipped slightly from a recent 10-month high.