Newly published hospitalization surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control shows the three available COVID-19 vaccines serve as an effective shield against virus-related hospitalizations.  The data tracked hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged 65 and older between Feb. 1 and April 30 in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties and covers approximately 43% of Oregon’s population.  The conclusions confirm the findings of earlier clinical vaccine trials that demonstrated a dramatically lower risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 among fully vaccinated people.  According to the vaccine effectiveness study, the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalization by 96% and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization by 84% in adults 65-74 years old.  A previous study released by the CDC reported similar results.  The newly released hospital findings reflect data collected prior to the surge being fueled by the Delta variant in Oregon and in other states.  But the OHA says data collected in the United Kingdom, Canada and Israel have shown similar excellent protection against severe disease caused by the Delta variant.