Study Shows Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Reduced Hospitalizations and Deaths

Washington, D.C. (KFMO) - New research suggests the most recent COVID-19 vaccine provided significant protection against severe illness and death.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine was 40 percent effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalizations. Researchers also reported strong protection against the most severe outcomes, including deaths and cases requiring mechanical ventilation. Despite the availability of updated vaccines, researchers note that COVID-19 remains a serious public health threat.

The virus is estimated to have killed as many as 63,000 people in the United States last year. Vaccination rates, however, remain relatively low. According to the study, only about 23 percent of the population received last year’s COVID-19 shot.

Health experts continue to encourage eligible individuals to stay up to date on vaccinations, particularly those at higher risk for severe illness.