Greene County public health director Becky Wolf reports that 52 new cases of Covid-19 were diagnosed among Greene County residents in the seven days prior to Jan. 13. The total number of cases is 1,802.
The positivity rate following testing is declining. The seven-day positivity rate is 8.7 percent; the 14-day positivity rate is 12.3 percent. As of Jan 31, 2022:
Wolf reports that 56.6 percent of the total Greene County population is fully vaccinated against Covid-19. However, only 58 percent of those vaccinated persons have received a booster dose. “They are relying on less protection from Covid-19 and can spread the infection to others,” Wolf said.
Wolf explained that although the vaccines are effective and the protection offered by the primary series is very powerful, the protection starts to weaken after two months for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and after five months for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. “Getting a booster shot extends your protection, even against the delta and omicron variants. Studies show that a booster dose provides greater protection against severe disease, hospitalization compared to only being fully vaccinated,” Wolf said.
Booster (third) doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be given five months after the second dose based on age:
- Pfizer – 12 years and older
- Moderna – 18 years and older
- A booster (second) dose of Johnson & Johnson can be given two months after the first doers (18 years and older)
The public health department holds flu and/or Covid vaccine clinics at their office on Level B of Greene County Medical Center (use the clinic entrance). Clinics are Tuesdays from 9 am to 12 pm, and Thursdays from 1 to 4 pm.
Register online at https://hipaa.jotform.com/203558336058156 or call 515-386-3228 for an appointment.
Persons who have been exposed to a Covid-1 positive individual should wait five days after exposure before testing. Testing too early may result in a false negative as the viral load isn’t yet high enough to be detected by available tests.
