Covid-19 update:

There have been five cases of covid-19 reported in Wahkiakum County in the last week, with two on Friday, two on Monday, and one on Tuesday. This brings the cumulative total of cases to 254, with 14 considered potentially active. So far, at least 14 Wahkiakum residents have been hospitalized, and five have died of covid-19.

“Cases are still mostly decreasing around the state,” Wahkiakum Health and Human Services Director Chris Bischoff said, "but they are still at a concerning level. Folks should still use caution when planning for their holidays this year.”

Covid hospitalizations are decreasing, he added, but also still fairly high.

On Tuesday, there were 16 patients being treated for covid-19 at St. John Hospital.

The Washington Department of Health is reporting that 95 more doses of the vaccine were administered to Wahkiakum County residents in the last week. According to Bischoff, the county gave booster shots to more than 70 people on October 27, and another 40 on November 1.

Currently, 47.8 percent of Wahkiakum County residents are fully vaccinated, with 50.6 percent of the population initiating the vaccine. Only counting residents 12 and up, 56.1 percent have initiated vaccination, and 53 percent are fully vaccinated, much lower than the state average of 73.1 percent.

In Pacific County, 51 percent are fully vaccinated, and in Cowlitz County, 53 percent. Statewide, 73 percent of Washingtonians are fully vaccinated, and nationwide, the rate is 58 percent.

A breakdown by age shows that 26.5 percent of Wahkiakum residents between the ages of 12-17 are fully vaccinated, 43.1 percent of residents in the 18-34 age group are fully vaccinated, 53.9 percent in the 35-49 age group are fully vaccinated, 51.1 percent of people between the ages of 50-64 are fully vaccinated and 61.2 percent of people 65 and older are fully vaccinated.

“I think the biggest news is the Pfizer vaccine being FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for 5-11 year olds,” Bischoff said.

The health department was waiting for approval from the Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday morning. It came through on Tuesday afternoon.

The dose for 5-11 year olds is lower than for older people, Bischoff said, and the lower dose vials have arrived.

The health department is likely to hold a late afternoon clinic and is creating a list for anyone wanting a call regarding an appointment for their 5-11 year old. More information should be available on Friday.

As for flu vaccines, the health department has some available for youth but were still waiting for the vaccine for adults.