Washington (July 22, 2021) – In light of the numerous reported COVID-19 breakthrough cases across the country, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today queried the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the steps it is taking to ensure that Americans have the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information on breakthrough cases, those cases of fully vaccinated people testing positive for the coronavirus. As of June, there have been nearly 4,000 fully-vaccinated residents in Massachusetts who have tested positive for COVID-19, 700 of whom have tested positive over the course of just one week.

 

“Although COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness and most cases are occurring in unvaccinated people, it is important that the CDC remain vigilant and transparent in its surveillance of breakthrough cases,” writes Senator Markey in his letter for CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “The American public must be informed of the continued risks posed by COVID-19 and variants, and public health and medical officials, as well as health care providers, must have robust data and information to guide their decisions on public health measures.”

 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

 

In the letter to the CDC, Senator Markey requests responses to questions that include: