With the May 12 recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control that children age 12-15 be vaccinated against Covid-19, Greene County public health has set a goal to “meet kids wherever they might be this summer,” according to public health director Becky Wolf.

Clinical trials found the Pfizer vaccine to be 100 percent effective in stimulating a robust antibody response and preventing Covid in that age group.

The local public health department will start with school-based vaccine clinics at both the Greene County and Paton-Churdan schools prior to the last day of school, using the Pfizer vaccine. Approval of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for that age group is expected n the next few months.

As will all vaccines, public health must obtain parental/guardian consent prior to administering the injection to anyone under the age of 18. All Covid-19 vaccines are provided free of charge.

“We encourage all parents to consider Covid-19 vaccination for their families,” Wolf said. “Please take this critical step forward to help end the spread of Covid-19 in our communities.”

Local providers may offer the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year-olds depending on demand. Providers include Greene County Family Medicine Clinic, McFarland Clinic, Medicap Pharmacy, HyVee Pharmacy, and public health.

As with adults, common side effects, typically lasting 1-3 days, may include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle aches, fever and joint pain. Some people may not experience any of these symptoms.

As of May 12, the 14-day positivity rate for Covid testing was 2.4 percent in the county. There has been a total of 864 known cases of the virus, with 109 active cases. Ten persons have died of Covid.

Wolf also explained herd immunity: Herd immunity occurs when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. As a result, the entire community is protected, even those who are not themselves immune. Herd immunity is usually achieved through vaccination, but can also occur through natural infection. The more contagious a disease is, the higher the percentage of the population needs to be immune in order to stop the chain of spreading from person to person.

She also explained there are challenges in relying on everyone getting the virus to build immunity.

• Reinfection: It’s not clear how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19, even if you have antibodies
• Health impact: Experts estimate that 70 percent of the U.S. population (more than 200 million people) would have to recover from COVID-19 to halt the pandemic

The post Covid vaccine available for children ages 12-15 first appeared on Greene County News Online.

“Our ‘fully vaccinated’ numbers have not increased much in the past seven-10 days; we need to pick up the momentum, Wolf said.

A total of 6,602 doses of vaccine have been administered, with 36 percent of Greene County residents fully vaccinated. In the 65 years and older group, 3,125 doses have been administered and 76 percent are fully vaccinated.

All Greene County vaccine providers now have access to COVID-19 vaccine

Wolf explained “herd immunity” and how it can protect the public from Covid-19:

Herd immunity occurs when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. As a result, the entire community is protected, even those who are not themselves immune. 

Herd immunity is usually achieved through vaccination, but can also occur through natural infection. The more contagious a disease is, the higher the percentage of the population needs to be immune in order to stop the chain of spreading from person to person.

She also explained several challenges to the idea of relying on everyone getting the virus, rather than going through a vaccination process.

• Reinfection: It’s not clear how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19, even if you have antibodies
• Health impact: Experts estimate that 70 percent of the U.S. population (more than 200 million people) would have to recover from COVID-19 to halt the pandemic

The post Covid-19 update and an explanation of ‘herd immunity’ first appeared on Greene County News Online.

“While more people are being vaccinated each day, highly contagious and deadlier variants of Covid-19 are spreading rapidly,” Wolf said. “Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, avoid crowds, and stay home if you feel sick. Let’s keep the momentum going strong to completely knock out this pandemic.”

As of April 19, the 14-day positivity rate of Covid-19 testing in the county was 3 percent. There have been 851 cases of Covid-19 in the county, with 111 of them active as of Monday.

The post Greene County doing well in Covid vaccination first appeared on Greene County News Online.

Wolf also reports that 5,477 doses of Covid vaccine have been administered, and that 27 percent of Greene County residents are fully vaccinated. In the 65 years and older age group, 2,927 doses have been administered and 68 percent of those residents are fully vaccinated.

She provided information about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson “Janssen” vaccine have been administered in the U.S.  On April 13, the CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of this brand of Covid-19 vaccine, until the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets  to further review data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rate and severe type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) after receiving the J & J vaccine.

All six cases occurred in women between 18-48, and symptoms developed 6-13 days after receiving the vaccination. Treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the typical used of heparin, an anti-clotting drug used to treat blood clots. With CVST, the administration of heparin may be dangerous, and alternative treatments need to be given.

Until the process of further review of these cases by ACIP and FDA  is complete, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has paused the use of J & J vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This is important to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of this extremely rare adverse event and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.

People who have received the J & J vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.

“During this pause, it is important that we continue to vaccinate as many people as possible, using either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine,” Wolf said.

Greene County public health’s “one and done” J & J vaccine clinic, original scheduled for April 13-14, has been paused until further guidance from IDPH. Public health will continue to offer the Moderna two-dose vaccine. Persons can sign up to receive the vaccine at https://form.jotform.com/210825039690153 ; public health staff will contact those who sign up to make an appointment. Persons who have no computer or internet access can call 515-386-0564 for assistance.

The “second-dose” Pfizer mass clinic will take place at the Greene Room at Wild Rose  Jefferson on Wednesday, April 21, from 12:30-6:30 pm. Vaccine will be specifically provided for the 1,170 individuals who received their first dose on Wednesday, March 31 at the Wild Rose.

The post Covid update, and info about J&J vaccine first appeared on Greene County News Online.

The 14-day positivity rate for Covid-19 testing in Greene County is at 3.3 percent as of Monday morning, April 12. Greene County public health director Becky Wolf reports a total of 846 cases in the county, with 114 of them being active cases.

On the vaccine front, Wolf reports a total of 5,372 doses of vaccine have been administered; 26 percent of Greene County residents are fully vaccinated. Among residents age 65 and older, 2,906 doses have been administered and 67 percent of residents are fully vaccinated.

All vaccine providers now have access to Covid-19 vaccine.

The public health department will administer 400 doses if the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at clinics April 13-14. All appointments for the clinic filled quickly. Wolf does not anticipate additional J & J vaccines being available for several weeks due to recent manufacturing delays. “Do not wait. Please get vaccinated with whichever vaccine is currently available. All three vaccines are safe and effective,” Wolf said.

The public health department will have a minimum of 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine each week. Persons can sign up for the vaccine at https://hipaa.jotform.com/210825039690153. Public health staff will contact those who sign up with appointment times.

The post Covid positivity rate at 3.3 percent first appeared on Greene County News Online.

Clinics are slated for Tuesday, April 13, from 9 am to 6 pm, and Wednesday, April 14, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Greene County public health office on the clinic (lower) level of Greene County Medical Center. Appointments are required. All persons age 18 and older are eligible for the clinic. There are 300 vaccines available during these two days of appointments.

Persons who want to make an appointment can visit https://hipaa.jotform.com/210254625890152. Https://hipaa.jotform.com/210254625890152 Persons without internet access can call public health at 515-386-0564. Persons should bring their insurance card and registration form to the appointment. Registration forms are available online at www.gcmchealth.com/covid-19/vaccine. http://Www.gcmchealth.com/covid-19/vaccine Persons who are unable to print and fill out the registration form before their appointment can do so at that time.

Greene County public health provides vaccinations based on the availability of whichever brand is allotted to the department. Staff encourages everyone to get vaccinated with any brand of Covid-19 vaccine that is available to protect themselves, their families and the community.

The post Public health has J&J vaccines for clinics next week first appeared on Greene County News Online.

Contact information for the various Greene County providers is:

• Greene County public health
  • Online request: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210254625890152
  • Email: covid@gcmchealth.com
  • Phone: 515-386-0564
• Greene County Family Medicine Clinic
  • Phone: 515-386-0500
• McFarland Clinic, Jefferson
  • Individually contacting patients to schedule appointments
  • Clinic calls will come from phone number 833-332-0011
• Medicap Pharmacy, Jefferson
  • Phone: 515-386-2164
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Jefferson
  • Check Jefferson HyVee Facebook link to sign up and check vaccine availability
  • Phone: 515-386-4151

Wolf reported that to date, 4,910 doses of vaccine have been administered to Greene County residents; 22 percent of residents are fully vaccinated. Of those doses, 2,773 were administered to persons age 65 and older; 62 percent in that age group is fully vaccinated.

As of April 6, there have been 842 cases of Covid-19 among Greene County residents; 116 of those cases are considered active. The 14-day test positivity rate is 3.4 percent. Ten county residents have died from Covid-19.

According to CDC guidance, fully vaccinated people should continue wearing a mask and taking the current precautions when visiting with unvaccinated people who are not members of your household, and when around unvaccinated people who are at high risk of becoming severely ill from Covid-19.

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

• You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask
• You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people with unvaccinated people or other members of your own household unless someone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19
• If you’ve been around someone who has Covid-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. However, if you live in a group home setting and are around someone with Covid-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

The post Covid-19 vaccine available now at all Greene County providers first appeared on Greene County News Online.

Greene County Public Health held the first mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Greene County Wednesday, March 31. The clinic filled 1,170 appointment slots to give the Pfizer vaccination. The clinic drew persons from all of central Iowa.

There were 45 volunteers and employees who worked this event through a collaboration of Greene County public health, Wild Rose Casino – Jefferson, Greene County Medical Center, Rotary Club of Jefferson, local pharmacies and the Greene County Medical Reserve Corps.

“The clinic turned out very well. People were leaving within 13 minutes of walking through the door, being screened, registering and receiving their vaccine,” said Greene County director of public health Becky Wolf.

“Being able to host the clinic at an events center like the Wild Rose Casino was great. They were very accommodating to our needs and helping us host the clinic for the community,” Wolf continued. “One of the greatest rewards from this event was seeing the smile on people’s faces that they were finally able to get the vaccine. This is truly a historic event. The collaboration between all of the community partners has been over the top to make this event successful.”

Moving forward, Greene County public health will continue to give vaccines out of its office space at Greene County Medical Center. The vaccine will continue to also be available from other partners in the county like local pharmacies and clinics.

Persons who are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine from public health can call 515-386-0564. The vaccine is being offered to everyone 16 years and older. The availability of another mass clinic is based on whether Greene County public health is allotted another large surplus of the vaccine, which is unknown at this time.

Those who received their COVID-19 shot during this clinic will return April 21 to receive their second dose of the vaccine. Participants received an appointment card with their appointment information when they registered at the clinic and are asked to bring back an insurance card with them if they didn’t bring their card to the first appointment.

The post Covid vaccine clinic a success first appeared on Greene County News Online.

The clinic is slated for 12:30 to 6:30 pm at the Greene Room at Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson.

Appointments are necessary and can be made online at https://hipaa.jotform.com/210826036490149

The post Covid vaccine available to 16 and older first appeared on Greene County News Online.

Vaccines for 1,170 persons available

Greene County public health will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic Wednesday, March 31, from 12:30 to 6:30 pm in the Greene Room at Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson. Individuals eligible to receive the vaccine at this clinic include those in Phase 1A and all tiers of Phase 1B:

• 65 and older

• 64 and younger with medical conditions that put them at increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19:
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions
  • Weakened immune system (such as solid organ transplant)
  • Obesity (BMI of 30 or greater)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Smoking
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Healthcare providers
• PK-12 school staff
• Day care staff
• First responders
• Individuals with disabilities that need attendant caregivers
• Attendant caregivers, as noted above
• Frontline essential workers in food, agriculture, distribution, and manufacturing secto
• Staff of and individuals living in congregate settings (shelters, sober living homes, treatment centers, detention centers)
• Inspectors responsible for hospital and long-term care settings, childcare, and food production safety
• Correctional facility staff and incarcerated individuals
• Migrants living in congregate settings or bunk-room-style living

To sign up for an appointment for this clinic, visit https://hipaa.jotform.com/210826036490149. Please bring your health insurance card to the appointment and do not arrive at the clinic location more than

10 minutes prior to your appointment time to avoid overcrowding. Persons who are not able to access the registration form due to internet access issues may call Greene County public health at 515-386-0564 for assistance. There are 1,170 slots available for appointments during this clinic.

The return appointment for those who receive the first dose of the vaccine will be Wednesday, April 21, from 12:30 to 6:30 pm. Please plan accordingly as alternative dates and times to receive the second dose will not be available. The vaccine given at this clinic will be Pfizer. Those without insurance will not be turned away.

Everyone must wear a mask at the clinic site and maintain social distancing. Greene County public health staff, Greene County Medical Center staff, local pharmacists and their staff as well as the Greene County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will assist at this clinic.

The post Covid-19 vaccine clinic next Wednesday first appeared on Greene County News Online.