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Preventing Severe Illness from COVID-19 Remains a County Priority
Even though fewer people are getting severely sick from COVID-19, adults over 65 years old continue to be hospitalized at significantly higher rates than younger people and, of everyone hospitalized for COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, more than 1 in 10 people required highly specialized medical attention in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Even though fewer people are getting severely sick from COVID-19, adults over 65 years old continue to be hospitalized at significantly higher rates than younger people and, of everyone hospitalized for COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, more than 1 in 10 people required highly specialized medical attention in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). While many people have taken precautions that have reduced the overall impact of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, including being up to date on vaccines, there are still a sizable number of older people and those with underlying health conditions experiencing severe illness if infected.
On April 11, of the 338 people hospitalized with COVID-19 across Los Angeles County, 38 individuals required care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including 25 patients on ventilators. Older residents are
hospitalized and admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 at much higher rates than their younger counterparts. Over the most recent 12 weeks, adults 80 years of age and older were 17 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 24 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 compared to adults 30-49 years of age. Residents ages 65-79 years old were 11 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and more than six times more likely to be admitted to the ICU with COVID-19, when compared to residents ages 30-49. Vaccination locations and appointments can be found at VaccinateLACounty.com. For residents who have difficulties leaving their home, Public Health offers free in-home COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments. Appointments may be booked at ph.lacounty.gov/vaxathome or by calling 1-833-540-0473.
