Five new covid cases reported; Pfzier boosters becoming available

On Monday, Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services (WHHS) reported positive test result notifications for five additional covid-19 cases in Wahkiakum County residents. This brings Wahkiakum to a cumulative total of 214 cases with 17 of those potentially active and five fatalities.

WHHS Director Chris Bischoff also announced that the health department will begin administering covid-19 boosters to qualified persons who have previously received the Pfizer vaccine.

WHHS continues to offer third doses of Pfizer to those who are immune deficient and previously had both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations.

Boosters are available for individuals who received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine following the CDC guidance:

1. It must be 6 months since the second shot of the Pfizer vaccine.

2. Recipients must also meet at least one of the following:

a. Age 65 or older;

b. Long-term care facility resident;

c. Underlying conditions for 18 and over;

i. No one under 18 may have a booster shot, yet;

d. High risk worker – This is not well defined, but should be people who have an increased risk of contracting COVID due to their occupation,

WHHS hosts covid vaccine clinics twice a week at the health department office in the county courthouse in Cathlamet.

The clinic is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Boosters have not yet been authorized for the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Both companies have submitted data to the FDA and CDC for evaluation. WHHS will provide public notice when further boosters become available.

Vaccines are available to anyone 12 or older in Wahkiakum County. Getting vaccinated is the best possible protection from COVID-19. WHHS encourages everyone who hasn’t already been vaccinated to contact the Health Department or their personal medical provider and get scheduled to get a vaccine. The Health Department can be reached at 360-849-4041, M-F 8 to 4:30.

WHHS urges citizens to practice safety measures such as social distancing, staying at home, wearing a mask if you have to socialize, and restricting activities to household members only.