Covid-19 death toll in county now at 15
Persons who received either the Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccines should receive a booster shot six months or later after their initial two-dose series, according to recommendations the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued Oct. 21.
The following groups are eligible now for a booster:
- People 65 years and older
- People 18 years and older who reside in long-term care settings
- People aged 18 years and older with underlying medical conditions
- People aged 18 years and older who work or live in high-risk settings (includes healthcare employees)
The same product used for the initial series should be used for the booster. If a Moderna vaccine booster is administered, a half-dose will be given.
In addition, the CDC recommends a booster dose of Johnson & Johnson (J & J) Covid-19 vaccine for all those age 18 years or older who received that vaccine at least two months ago.
“Mix & Match” booster doses are now allowed for eligible individuals following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine:
- People who received a single dose of J & J can receive a mRNA Covid-19 booster dose at least two months after that first primary dose
- Moderna vaccine booster will be given as a half-dose
- Pfizer and J & J boosters will be given as full doses
There are still opportunities to get influenza and/or Covid-19 vaccines at Greene County public health clinics through early November. All three brands of Covid-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) are available for anyone who is not vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or in need of a booster dose.
Clinics will held at the public health office at Greene County Medical Center, Level B, on the following dates:
- Tuesdays (9AM-Noon): Oct 26, Nov 2
- Thursdays (1-4PM): Oct 28, Nov 4
Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins (drive-ins) are accepted. Call 515-386-3228 or register online at https://hipaa.jotform.com/203558336058156
Greene County public health director Becky Wolf reported the following as of Oct. 25, 2021:
- Total Covid-19 cases: 1348 (1,319 on Oct 18)
- 32 cases in past seven days
- 7-day positivity rate: 7.7 percent; 14-day positivity rate: 7.1 percent
- 3 new deaths reported (15 total)
- Level of community transmission: HIGH
Free Test Iowa home kits are available at Greene County Public Health. Call 515-386-3228 to arrange for outdoor pick-up only.
Persons who want more information can visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ and https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view
