New data from Austin Public Health revealed that 95% of the more than 1,200 people who died of COVID-19 since 2020 have had at least one comorbidity. More than half of the victims had two or more.

Comorbidities refer to chronic conditions simultaneously present in patients who contract COVID-19, which can increase risk of severe illness. These underlying conditions can range from asthma to obesity.

“Much of our community is at high risk for COVID-19 due to comorbidities. These patients often experience severe symptoms of the virus, which can mean longer hospital stays and death,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes in a Feb. 8 press release from APH. “Those who are higher risk must get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible. Wear a mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing.”

The release also references data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that indicates people from racial and ethnic minority groups often develop chronic medical conditions at younger ages, meaning they are more susceptible to COVID-19. In the Austin-Travis County area, 49.3% of COVID-19 deaths have been Hispanic individuals and 11.6% have been Black individuals. According to 2020 census data, 32.5% of the area's population is Hispanic, and 6.9% are Black.

APH released this information as they said the demand for vaccines is decreasing at their distribution centers. As of Feb. 7, 71% of eligible residents in the Austin-Travis County area were fully vaccinated.