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Public Health News_08272021

COVID-19

Black Hawk County Public Health News

August 27, 2021  

CURRENT BLACK HAWK COUNTY COVID-19 STATUS

13.8% = 14-DayAverage Percent Positive in Black Hawk County

61 New Positive Cases for 8/27/2021

62.8% of Black Hawk County residents (12+) that have received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine as of 8/22/21

33.7% of ages 18-24 have received at least 1 vaccine as of 8/22/21 compared to 48% of ages 12-17

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADDITIONAL DOSES

THIRD  DOSE FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED

 ·       Available now,  given at least 28 days after the second dose.

 ·       No prescription or referral is needed.

BOOSTER DOSES FOR GENERAL PUBLIC:

PFIZER OR MODERNA

·       Pending final  approval and starting September 20.

·       Given 8  months after the second dose.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON

Anticipated;  additional data and information is expected in the next few weeks.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

 

COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS(Source: Iowa Department of Public Health)

·        79% of individuals hospitalized on 8/25/21 with a primary COVID-19 diagnosis were unvaccinated.

·        86% of patients in the ICU were not vaccinated before becoming infected on 8/25/21.

·        Hospitalization rate is the highest among middle age to older adults.

·        42 additional deaths in Iowa due to COVID-19. (7/24/21 – 8/22/21)

 

PROTECTYOURSELF & OTHERS

Get Vaccinated: COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in the community. Visit the Black Hawk County Health Department website or vaccinate.iowa.gov for additional information. Vaccines remain the most powerful tool we have against COVID-19.

 

Get Tested: If you or a loved one are experiencingCOVID-19 symptoms, stay home and get tested as soon as possible. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell.

 

Iowans have the option for at-home testing and may choose to pick up a test kit from a site in their community or have a kit sent to their home at no cost. Visit testiowa.com for more information. Test kits can be picked up in Waterloo at:

·        Peoples Community Health Clinic: 905 Franklin Street, Waterloo

·        ACE-SAP Free Clinic: 207 Logan Avenue, Waterloo

 

Testing is offered throughout the community at pharmacies and health care clinics including MercyOne, Peoples Community Health Clinic and UnityPoint Health along with local and national pharmacies.

 

Seek Treatment: If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be able to reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent bad outcomes by receiving Monoclonal Antibodies. These antibodies can reduce the amount of virus in your body. Monoclonal Antibodies do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. It’s important to do this before your symptoms progress to ensure the best possible outcome. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether this is the right option for you. Find options near you by visiting here.

 

Practice Prevention: Everyone should continue to follow current practices to protect themselves and others, including wearing a mask indoors, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands frequently.