The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 78 “breakthrough” cases of COVID-19.
Defined as a positive case within an individual that has been fully vaccinated, these breakthrough cases represent a small fraction of the over 635,000 Mississippians that are fully vaccinated.
“This demonstrates how well the vaccine is working,” the MSDH said in a statement.
During a press conference earlier today, State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers explained that officials are continuing to gather more information about these cases. One death has been reported as the result of a breakthrough case.
State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs noted that these types of cases were anticipated.
“We knew that we would see some because it’s not 100% effective at preventing any illness. It’s been, fortunately, an uncommon thing,” he said.
The MSDH has followed the recommendation of the CDC and FDA by pausing its distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after a few adverse reactions have been reported, but experts continue to stress the efficacy and safety of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines—both of which are administered through the state-run vaccination sites.
