Covid-19 update

There was one new case of covid-19 reported in Wahkiakum County on Monday, according to Wahkiakum Health and Human Services. This brings the cumulative total to 261, with seven cases considered to be potentially active.

So far, there have been 16 reported hospitalizations in the county and five deaths have been attributed to covid-19.

“Covid-19 cases continue to decline in the state,” WHHS Director Chris Bischoff said. “I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving holiday, but that they do it safely. Hopefully cases will continue to go down during the holiday season.”

Boosters are now available to anyone 18 and over who is fully vaccinated against covid-19.

According to a press release from WHHS, the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded the recommendation for a booster dose of covid-19 to everyone 18 years and older. The shot provides continued protection against severe disease in populations who are especially at risk for severe covid-19.

The recommendation was also echoed by the Western State Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

The ACIP said that the booster doses are especially important for some groups who are at increased risk, including anyone 18 and over who received the Johnson and Johnson covid-19 vaccine for their primary series at least two months ago, and anyone who received the Pfizer or Moderna covid-19 vaccine for their primary series and are 50 years and older or 18 years and older and living in a long-term care setting.

Patients can get the same vaccine or mix and match their booster dose. The booster dose can be co-administered with other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Pregnant people may receive a booster dose. People are still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two dose series or two weeks after a single dose series.

“Protection from covid-19 does wane over time,” Bischoff said. “Getting a booster is a good idea for most people who are vaccinated. It is recommended for people at higher risk for serious complications. Data shows that the vaccines are extremely effective in reducing the most serious outcomes of covid-19.”

WHHS is hosting covid-19 vaccine clinics on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The health department is located in the lowest floor of Wahkiakum County Courthouse. No appointment is necessary.

Vaccines are also now available for anyone aged five or older.

Bischoff said that the number of flu shots being given is down significantly, nationwide, but that it was still very important to get one.

The health department has not yet received the flu vaccine, Bischoff says but they are widely available elsewhere.

As for vaccinations rates, the percentage of the total population of Wahkiakum County to be fully vaccinated stands at 47.6 percent, while 52.8 percent of the population aged 12 and up is fully vaccinated, still well below the state’s rate of 73.9 percent.

By age, 25.6 percent of 12-17 year olds in the county are fully vaccinated, while 43.9 percent of 18-34 year olds are fully vaccinated. Of those aged 35-49, 53.5 percent are fully vaccinated, and 50.9 percent of people between the ages of 50-64 are fully vaccinated. Finally, 60.6 percent of the population that is 65 and over is fully vaccinated.