PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- While there are some instances of people getting the coronavirus despite being vaccinated, top health experts point to overwhelming evidence that the shots dramatically reduce severe symptoms and death.

The surge in cases comes as the delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading and Avera St. Mary’s Hospital president and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mikel Holland says the virus mutating was expected.

Holland says the delta variant isn’t a significant issue in South Dakota– yet.

Holland says in the US, many of the hospitalizations and deaths because of the delta variant are unvaccinated people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says as of mid-week, 48.8% of the total US population are fully vaccinated and 56.3% of Americans have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine.