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For most age groups the hospitalization risk of COVID-19 is much lower now than it was earlier in the pandemic. The exception is the 85+ population, and to a lesser extent the 75-84 population, whose rates of hospitalization have stayed level for three straight winters.

 Minnesota Department of Health

MANKATO — Four years since the first confirmed COVID-19 case in south-central Minnesota, the region wrapped up its mildest winter yet in terms of infection severity.

This winter didn’t have the spikes in hospitalizations and deaths seen in previous seasons, mirroring the trend seen statewide over the last year.

South-central Minnesota had about 47 confirmed deaths from the illness between March 15, 2023-March 14, 2024, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Health. The prior three years, starting with the most recent, had 103, 263 and 224 fatalities.

Treatments, vaccinations and immunity from infections seem to be combining to make the worst outcomes avoidable for most, said Derek J. Wingert, who analyzed COVID-19 data throughout the pandemic.

“Every single year we’ve gotten significant tools to help either treat or prevent COVID,” he said. “I think we’re seeing the results in terms of just how improved the situation is with deaths and hospitalizations.”

South-central Minnesota had its first COVID-19 case confirmed on March 15, 2020 in Waseca County. The next two years, between a lack of vaccines early on and the more deadly omicron variant later, accounted for the majority of the deaths caused by COVID-19.

Death rates dropped over the next two years. Hospitalization rates followed suit by and large, with one exception.

Wingert noted the hospitalization rate for Minnesotans age 85 and older hasn’t budged since 2022. Each winter around March the rate has spiked up near 100 per 100,000 residents.

The 75-84 population experiences a similar winter bump in hospitalizations, with only a slight decline in the rate compared to the oldest demographic.

Older adults were always at higher risk for COVID-19. The difference now is the hospitalization risk went down for all younger age groups in the last few years while remaining level for the older populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited the risks to older Americans in its Feb. 28 announcement on new COVID-19 vaccine doses. More than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations nationwide between October and December occurred in people age 65 or older — the age group accounts for less than 20% of the population.

“Today’s recommendation allows older adults to receive an additional dose of this season’s COVID-19 vaccine to provide added protection,” stated Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC director, in the announcement. “Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk.”

Follow Brian Arola @BrianArola

Follow Brian Arola @BrianArola

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