Covid-19 update

Two more cases of covid-19 were reported in the last week, bringing the cumulative total to 614 according to the Washington Department of Health.

The number of hospitalizations rose by one in the last week to 46, and nine deaths are attributed to the virus.

Disclaimer: With the easy accessibility of at home tests, the actual number of active covid-19 cases and actual cumulative numbers in the county, are hard to know.

While 69.9 percent of the population of Washington State has received the primary series of the vaccination, only 52.3 percent of the same population in Wahkiakum County has done so, according to WA DOH.

The primary series of the Pfizer vaccine and the new Pfizer bivalent booster, including the version for juveniles, are available at the vaccine clinic offered by Wahkiakum Health and Human Services. The clinic is held on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.and 1:30-3 p.m. Call 360-849-4041 for more information. There will be no vaccination clinic on November 14, 16, or 23.

The primary series of the Moderna vaccine and the new Moderna bivalent booster are now available at the Cathlamet Pharmacy by appointment, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 360-795-3691 for more information or to make an appointment.

Flu shots are available at the pharmacy by appointment. The flu shot and the booster can be given at the same time. WHHS is offering both the adult and youth flu shots during their clinics.

"The Centers for Disease Control is indicating that this is most likely going to be a bad winter for respiratory viruses,” WHHS Director Chris Bischoff said. “RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), the flu, and covid-19 are all at concerning levels. There is currently no vaccine for RSV, however there is for the flu and covid-19. The best way to stay healthy is to get the vaccines or boosters that are available. Also, things like washing your hands frequently, staying home when you are sick, social distancing, and masking are very helpful in staying healthy.”

Bischoff also said the health department will be closed from December 5-9 to move to the Elochoman Campus at 42 Elochoman Valley Road, where they will open for business on December 12.