Seniors are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. So far, 1 in 7 have gotten a booster shot of vaccine – CNN

But it will also take others getting vaccinated to help protect the most vulnerable -- and to help end this pandemic, CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen said.

"Yes, the vaccine does protect you, but (what) protects you even better is everyone around you is vaccinated," she said. "We get vaccinated as healthy people in part to protect the most vulnerable among us."

Powell, 84, had multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells that suppresses the body's immune response, as well as Parkinson's, said Peggy Cifrino, Powell's longtime chief of staff.

He was fully vaccinated and was scheduled to get a booster dose this week.

Breakthrough Covid-19 cases resulting in death, such as Powell's, are rare.

As of October 12, more than 187 million people had been fully vaccinated, according to CDC data. As of that date, 7,178 breakthrough infections had been reported.

In other words, 0.004% of those fully vaccinated had a breakthrough infection resulting in death. Among them, 85% were among people age 65 and older, according to the CDC.

Who can get a booster shot now

-- Those age 65 or older

-- Those ages 18 through 64 who are at high risk of severe Covid-19

-- Or those ages 18 through 64 who live or work in high-risk environments.

Mix-and-match booster doses may be possible soon

That authorization might come as soon as this week.

Covid-19 hospitalization and death uncommon in children

Children represented 25.5% of weekly reported Covid-19 cases, the group found. Over the past six weeks, more than 1.1 million Covid-19 cases have been diagnosed in children, but Covid-19 hospitalization and death remains uncommon, the group said.

Vaccine effectiveness differed only slightly within the age group, with 91% effectiveness for children age 12 to 15 and 94% effectiveness for those age 16 to 18.

The study included 464 patients -- 179 hospitalized with Covid-19 and 285 hospitalized for other reasons -- across 19 pediatric hospitals in 16 states between June and September 2021. The majority of patients had at least one underlying condition and attended in-person school.

Most patients were from southern states, where Covid-19 transmission was high. Those who were only partially vaccinated -- either with only one dose or less than two weeks since their second -- were excluded from the analysis.

Among the 179 patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in the study, 97% were unvaccinated. All of the critically ill patients were unvaccinated, including 77 patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit, 29 who received life support during hospitalization and two who died.

New Mexico under crisis standards of care

While national Covid-19 hospitalizations have recently declined, some places are still overwhelmed.

In New Mexico, the state health department has resorted to crisis standards of care. Hospitals will have to temporarily suspend elective procedures before having to decide who should receive care.

"Because of COVID, New Mexico hospitals and health care facilities have carried an unmanageable burden," New Mexico Department of Health Acting Secretary Dr. David R. Scrase said Monday in a statement.

"Today, the state is offering clarity and support as providers seek to make difficult choices about how to allocate scarce -- and precious -- health care resources."

Vaccine mandates in play for police forces

Throughout the pandemic, Covid-19 has been far deadlier for police officers than gunfire.

Members of Seattle's police department had a Monday deadline to be vaccinated or receive an exemption.

As of Monday night, 91% of the police force had shown proof of vaccination and 7% presented exemptions, leaving only 2% of the department having not submitted their vaccination status.

Those who fail to turn in any verification by midnight were told to not report to work Tuesday, and the city and department "will begin the process for termination for failing to follow the vaccine mandate guidelines," Seattle police spokesperson Randy Huserik said.

Washington state has also implemented vaccine mandates for state employees.

CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Deidre McPhillips, Amanda Sealy, John Bonifield, Maggie Fox, Joe Sutton, Jenn Selva, Rosalina Nieves and Adrienne Broaddus contributed to this report.

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Seniors are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. So far, 1 in 7 have gotten a booster shot of vaccine - CNN