Physicians at Phoebe are noticing a concerning trend in COVID-19 hospitalizations:  patients are getting younger.  It’s a trend they say could be prevented if more people would get vaccinated.  “Compared to the early days of COVID-19, the patients showing up to our ER and those requiring hospitalization are quite a bit younger, on average.  And many of those younger patients are seriously ill when they get here,” said James Black, MD, Phoebe Putney Health System Medical Director for Emergency Services.

In April, the health system admitted 51 patients for treatment of COVID-19.  More than a third of those patients were critically ill and went directly into an intensive care unit.  The average age of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients was less than 50, down from about 64 in March 2020, the first month of the pandemic.

“We’ve noticed a sharp drop in the age of our COVID-19 patients in the last couple of months, since vaccines have been widely available.  That shows us the vaccines are working.  We’re seeing high vaccination rates and less illness among our seniors, but low vaccination rates and more illness in younger people,” said Dianna Grant, MD, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Medical Officer.

According to the latest numbers from the Georgia Department of Public Health, 83.4% of Dougherty County residents 65 and older have gotten at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  The rate is only 47.5% for those younger than 65 and 36% for those under 55, with successively lower rates for each younger age group.

“Our message is clear.  The vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated.  We know many young people think they won’t contract the virus, or it won’t make them very sick, but that may not be true.  Young people can get seriously ill and die from COVID-19, especially those with pre-existing conditions,” Dr. Grant said.

Of Phoebe’s COVID-19 hospitalizations last month, 82.4% of the patients had at least one of six pre-existing conditions:  obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma.

“If you’re living with a chronic medical condition, no matter your age, it is critically important to protect yourself by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.  We know people with these conditions are much more likely to suffer serious consequences from COVID-19.  All of the available vaccines offer outstanding protection from the virus, and getting a shot could save your life,” Dr. Grant said.

Phoebe is no longer offering first doses of the vaccine at its mass vaccination sites, but it has expanded the number of locations where vaccinations are available.  Vaccinations are being administered at all Phoebe primary care locations, and appointments can be scheduled by calling 229-312-MYMD(6963).  Phoebe’s mobile wellness clinics are also visiting communities, churches and events throughout the region to provide shots.  The Phoebe Cancer Center is offering shots to oncology patients when they come in for treatments or checkups, and vaccinations will soon be available at Phoebe urgent and community care clinics.

“We don’t want lack of access to be a problem for anyone.  Between Phoebe and other providers in the community, vaccines are readily available, and we urge people to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves and those around them,” said Dr. Grant.  “Let’s all do o