New Jersey residents who have received COVID-19 booster shots are more than three times less likely to be infected or hospitalized by the coronavirus, according to data released by the state Department of Health.
This marks the first time the state has released data on breakthrough cases since all adults became eligible for boosters on Nov. 19.
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There were 883 hospitalizations among those with only a primary vaccination course, and 161 hospitalizations among those who received a booster dose. There were two deaths in each of the groups.
"The rates of infection and hospitalization for those with boosters is more than three times lower than for those who have only a primary vaccination," Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that breakthrough infections are expected, as vaccines do not have a 100% rate of protection.
However, people who are vaccinated are far less likely to experience severe illness than unvaccinated people. And those who receive a booster dose are less likely to develop severe illness compared to those who have only received a primary dose.
The data release came as New Jersey and the surrounding region has begun to see a steady drop in COVID-19 cases after the omicron variant caused a record-breaking surge. New Jersey reported 8,467 new cases Wednesday, down from just over 9,000 Tuesday. A week ago, that number was more than twice as high, with 19,454 new cases reported last Wednesday.
South Jersey is also beginning to see drops in new case counts, with Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties all reporting the lowest case counts seen in a week.
Though health officials across the region have warned that it may be too soon to tell if the omicron variant has peaked, recent numbers continue to look promising.
Murphy reinstated New Jersey's state of emergency order on Jan. 11 in order to provide additional assistance to hospitals that are continuing to struggle with the current surge. The order also allows the state to continue vaccine distribution, testing requirements and resource allocation to schools and childcare centers.
"COVID-19 remains a significant threat to our State and we must commit every resource available to beating back the wave caused by the omicron variant," Murphy said at the time. "While we hope to return to a state of normalcy as soon as possible, the step I am taking today is a commonsense measure that will protect the safety and well-being of all New Jersey residents while allowing state government to respond to the continuing threat that COVID-19 poses to our daily lives."
New Jersey residents looking to schedule a vaccine appointment can find one through the state's searchable tool. People also can find vaccine appointments through the national vaccine database.