Category: Covid-19 Vaccine

(WISH) Help is on the way for a handful of Indiana counties running low on supply on pediatric COVID-19 doses.

Claire Haughton, public health educator for the Boone County Health Department, said, We definitely ran out a lot faster than we thought we would. I think we did not realize that the demand would be so overwhelming.

The Boone County department says it ran out of COVID-19 vaccines for kids 5 to 11 approximately two weeks ago. Theyve recently received about 700 more doses. The Boone County Health Department says it also expects to receive more pediatric doses.

So, we have been getting calls from parents who were concerned like, Hey, are you going to have enough by the time my kid has this appointment coming up next week? and we will, Haughton said.

Our clinic will be opened next Wednesday and Thursday, and Im already seeing that we have over a hundred people booked on those days, Haughton said.

The Hamilton County Health Department says it expects to receive more pediatric doses early next week. The demand for vaccines at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds clinic in Noblesville had exceeded the supply.

The Hamilton County Health Department says its sticking with scheduled appointments for kids 5 to 11 to ensure they dont have to turn anyone away.

The Madison County Health Department, based in Anderson, says it received 700 additional doses last week.

Former U.S. surgeon general and News 8 medical expert Dr. Jerome Adams encourages everyone to get vaccinated. He says the vaccines benefits outweigh the risks for these children.

We can live with this virus. We can have a sense of normalcy if everyone does their part and it starts with getting vaccinated, Adams said.

Both the Marion County Public Health Department and the Hendricks County Health Department, based in Danville, say they have not yet experienced a shortage of doses for ages 5-11.

Continued here:

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine supply catches up with demand in Indianapolis metro area - WISHTV.com

Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in authorizing a single booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines for all adults 18 years andolder. This recent action allows individuals 18 years and older, who have completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series to receive a booster shot at least six months after completing their initial vaccine series.

The CDC had previously approved booster doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for all adults 18 years and older at least two months after their initial dose. CDC guidance allows individuals to seek a COVID-19 booster based on individual benefits and risk and to choose which type of vaccine booster they receive, allowing for mixing and matching of vaccines, subject to that vaccines timing and eligibility recommendations for booster doses.

The CDC says that all people 50 and older, as well as people 18 and older in long-term care settings, should receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. People under the age of 18 are not eligible to receive a booster shot.

The booster dose offers additional protection against the virus, as immunity from COVID-19 vaccines wane over time. The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Individuals should bring their COVID-19 vaccination card with them when they receivetheir booster dose. COVID-19 vaccines are provided at no cost.

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, several COVID-19 vaccination sites will revise their hours. The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) vaccination site located at the Flagstaff Mall, 4650 US Highway 89, will be open on Wednesday, November 24 and will resume serving adults and children ages 5 17 at the Wednesday and Friday clinics as follows:

The site will be closed on Friday, November 26 for the holiday and will reopen on Wednesday, December 1.

To find a vaccination location and holiday closure information, please visit https://www.coconino.az.gov/2580/COVID-19-Vaccination-Locations.

CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk during theholidays:

Following these recommendations will help to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving.

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CDC authorizes COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for all adults ages 18 and up | Arizona Emergency information Network - az.gov

The majority of those hosting Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday will not be requiring guests to have received the coronavirus vaccine or wear masks, a new Hill-HarrisX poll found.

The poll shows 65 percent of Thanksgiving hosts are not requiring the vaccine or masks, with only 11 percent requiring both.

Twenty-one percentsay they will be demanding that guests be vaccinated,and 4 percentsay they will require masks at gatherings.

There is apartisan divide in the decision with 78 percent of Republicans in the poll saying neither the vaccine or masks are required at Thanksgiving with only 47 percent of Democrats saying the same.

The poll also found 79 percent will be spending Thanksgiving with family or another group of people, with only 13 percent saying they dont plan to be with others for the holiday.

Health officials have encouraged those gathering in groups to get their shots, with Anthony FauciAnthony FauciOvernight Health Care Feds, military top 90 percent vaccine rate Fauci says changing definition of fully vaccinated to include boosters is 'on the table' Jim Jordan reveals he had COVID-19 this summer MORE previously saying those who are fully vaccinated can have a normal holiday season.

Almost the samenumber of Republicans and Democrats are spending Thanksgiving with family or others, at 84 percent and 81 percent, respectively.

Only 10 percent of Republicans and 11 percent of Democrats are not planning to be with others for the holiday.

The poll was conducted between Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, surveying 939 registered voters. The margin or error is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.

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Poll: Majority of Thanksgiving hosts not requiring COVID-19 vaccine, masks - The Hill

The vaccines against Covid-19 are working. The best evidence of this is data from Spain showing that the unvaccinated in the 60-80 population are 25 times more at risk of dying from Covid-19, compared to those who have been fully immunized in the same age group. Whats more, with nearly 80% of the population in Spain fully vaccinated, the incidence rate among the unvaccinated is nearly triple that of those who have received their shots.

The Spanish Health Ministry on Tuesday revealed for the first time an in-depth picture of how the coronavirus affects the vaccinated and unvaccinated population differently. This data received a lot of attention on social media, particularly two graphs that showed the level of protection among the vaccinated versus the unvaccinated. One of the most shared and retweeted images on Twitter was published by journalist Eduardo Sarez. This graph uses the same data as the one in Sarezs table.

Last week, new data also highlighted the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines at preventing serious illness and death. Some 60% of Covid-19 patients in Spains intensive care units (ICUs) are unvaccinated, according to figures provided by the regions. This led many to raise questions about the other 40%, which was argued to be an extremely high figure. This argument, however, did not take into account the fact that in Spain, many more people are vaccinated than unvaccinated. In other words, the 60% of unvaccinated ICU patients must be seen in the context of a much smaller group of people. This is better understood visually, for example, in the graph posted on Twitter by Belgian journalist Nol Slangen. Since being shared on November 19, it has been retweeted more than 5,800 times. The graph at the top of this article has been formulated using a similar design, but with data specific to Spain.

Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias repeated on Tuesday the key message of her department: Vaccinate, vaccinate and vaccinate continues to be the best path. An earlier October study from the Health Ministry found that vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from Covid-19 by more than 90% in most age groups.

The Covid-19 vaccination drive in Spain has been one of the most successful in Europe. Nearly eight in 10 residents are fully vaccinated in Spain, compared to the EU average of 65%.

English version by Melissa Kitson.

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The effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines illustrated by two graphs - EL PAS in English

NEW YORK (WKBW) New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a COVID-19 vaccine incentive aimed at outdoor enthusiasts Wednesday.

The 'Take Your Shot for an Outdoor Adventure' sweepstakes will offer a chance to win prizes tailored to anglers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

"New York State is known for its outdoor gems and rich sporting traditions, and this important vaccine incentive reflects that," said Hochul. "As we pass another milestone with 90 percent of New Yorkers having received their first dose, we need to keep the pace of vaccination going. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself whether you're indoors or outdoors. Don't delay."

There will be 2,000 entrants allowed and five grand prizes winners will be randomly selected to receive their choice of deluxe fishing, hunting and birding packages. There will be 25 entrants randomly selected to receive their choice of second tier fishing and hunting packages.

The 2,000 who enter will receive the following:

Information on how to enter will be available on the DEC website beginning December 1.

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Gov. Hochul announces COVID-19 vaccine incentive aimed at outdoor enthusiasts - WKBW-TV

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) Well, its that time of year again when a stuffy nose, a cough, or sinus issues might be flaring up again. At the same time, many adults are scheduling the COVID-19 booster shots, and kids are working on getting their first doses of the vaccine.

You may be wondering, is it safe to get a booster shot, or a first dose, if youre experiencing cold symptoms?

The simple answer is yes. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong joins KRON4 in an exclusive interview to explain.

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Yes, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have mild cold symptoms: doctor - KRON4

2021-11-25

It has now been 49 weeks since the first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine were sent out to states, kicking off the largest vaccination campaign in human history. As of November 23, the U.S. has sent 569,050,695 doses of the vaccine across the country equivalent to 173.4% of the U.S. population.

While the initial distribution of the vaccine took longer than federal projections had indicated, in recent months the U.S. has made great leaps in the worldwide race to administer vaccinations and some states are faring far better than others. Under the current system, led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sends states limited shipments of the vaccine as well as funding and tasks them with distributing the vaccine in accordance with relatively loose federal guidelines. The distribution of the vaccine is based on the size of the adult population in every state, which according to some experts can create inequities in states where the spread of COVID-19 is worse and a larger share of the population is at risk.

Washington has received a total of 13,841,085 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as of November 23. Adjusted for population, Washington has received 181,763.4 vaccines per 100,000 residents more than the national average of 173,364.5 vaccines per 100,000 Americans and the 15th most of any state.

While Washington has so far received more vaccines per capita than the nation as a whole, the state has a lesser need for vaccines than the rest of the country. As of November 23, there were 10,008.3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents in Washington lower than the national rate of 14,451.3 cases per 100,000 Americans and the sixth lowest of all 50 states.

While the federal government distributes vaccines to states, it is up to state governments to administer the vaccine creating variations in both the percentage of vaccines that have been administered and the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated. In Washington, 80.9% of allocated vaccines have been administered to residents, in line with the national average of 79.6% and the 17th largest share of all states.

The administered vaccines amount to 147.0% of the state population, greater than the 137.9% national figure and the 12th largest share of all states.

While a majority of Americans remain unvaccinated due to a lack of supply, there are some who have no plans to receive a vaccine at all. According to a survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, 59.2% of U.S. adults 18 and over who have not yet received the vaccine will either probably not or definitely not get a COVID-19 vaccine in the future. In Washington, 69.8% of adults who have not yet received the vaccine report that they will probably not or definitely not get a vaccine in the future, the 10th largest share of any state. The most common reason cited for not wanting a vaccine was being concerned about possible side effects. Other commonly cited reasons include not trusting COVID-19 vaccines, not trusting the government, and that they were planning to wait and see if it is safe.

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This Is How Many COVID-19 Vaccines Washington Has Received So Far - Patch.com

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced enhanced direct messaging efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination and booster rates among New Yorkers as the holidays approach. The direct messaging program is part of the State's ongoing and comprehensive campaign to ensure vaccination and eligibility news reaches New Yorkers directly, activating more messengers on the ground. Today, the State launched its seventh SMS text message, being rolled-out in English and Spanish. The text reminds New Yorkers to celebrate a safe holiday with loved ones by ensuring children 5 years and older are vaccinated against COVID-19, and eligible New Yorkers 18 and older receive theirbooster dose.

"This direct messaging effort is part of New York's multilayered campaign to engage New York families to ensure everyone in their household is vaccinated and up-to-date with all recommended vaccine doses,"GovernorHochul said. "As part of our vast public information strategy, utilizing SMS text messaging and Excelsior Pass notifications - we can reach more New Yorkers with these important messages, and inspire even those who are fully boosted to help others in their communities. When you get vaccinated and get your booster, you continue to not only protect yourself, but your loved ones. Vaccines are critical to enjoying a safe and healthy holiday season with family and friends and I strongly encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of this deadly virus."

Being rolled-out in English and Spanish, individuals who initially received their vaccine and consented to receiving text messages while at a mass vaccination site will receive the following message:

For a safe holiday, help everyone in your family get vaccinated.NYers5+ should receive the COVID-19 vaccine and eligible 18+ a booster. Visit:ny.gov/vaccine

In addition to the SMS text campaign, New York State createdadedicated websitewith information about booster doses, additional doses,eligibility, frequently asked questions, and resources for providers on-the-ground to support in the dissemination of information to eligible populations as well asa new micrositefor information on children 5 - 11. To date since boosters have been available, NYS has sent seven text messages reaching 2.5 million New Yorkers. The State also continues to communicate with Excelsior Pass holders through push notification messaging, including aboutbooster doses.

We also continue our work to community-based trusted messengers on the ground, audience-specific pop-up strategies and traditional advertising efforts such as the new PSAS launched for5-11-year-oldsand the State's #VaxtoSchoolefforts. To learn more and schedule your free vaccine or booster dose appointment, visithere.

Link:

Governor Hochul Announces Direct Messaging Efforts to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Rates Among New Yorkers - NY.gov

The development and availability of COVID-19 vaccines are important to everyone. Ensuring as many people as possible are vaccinated is an integral part of our efforts to end the pandemic in our community.

COVID-19 vaccines help to decrease the number of deaths and serious disease, reduce the extra burden COVID-19 is having on people already facing disparities, help our community return to normal, and increase the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of all Southern Nevadans.

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COVID-19 Vaccine - Southern Nevada Health District

President Biden announced a mandate for federal workers to get vaccinated at the White House on Sept. 9. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images hide caption

President Biden announced a mandate for federal workers to get vaccinated at the White House on Sept. 9.

More than 90% of federal employees will have had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by the end of Monday, the deadline for the largest workforce in the country to get vaccinated under a mandate imposed by President Biden in September.

The vast majority of the 3.5 million employees covered by the mandate have been fully vaccinated, said a senior administration official who declined to be identified ahead of the deadline. An additional 5% of workers have requested or received an exception or an extension, the official said.

That's ahead of the pace among all U.S. adults, 71% of whom are fully vaccinated.

Federal workers will have all day Monday to turn in their proof of vaccination. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday that experience with other similar mandates in the private sector indicates there could be a last-minute rush to meet the requirements and submit paperwork.

The small percentage of federal employees who don't comply with the mandate won't face immediate dismissal. Agencies will continue processing documentation and considering exemptions, including for documented medical necessity. There will be education and counseling for employees who haven't complied, with the ongoing goal of getting yet more federal workers fully vaccinated.

For months the White House resisted vaccine mandates out of concern over backlash, but with the delta variant causing a surge in cases and the pace of vaccinations plateauing, Biden signed orders requiring all civilian federal workers and employees of federal contractors to provide proof of vaccination. A similar requirement was instituted for members of the military and people working in nursing homes, hospitals and doctor's offices.

Although the CDC opened up booster shots to all adults on Friday, for now, the requirement is just for a single dose of the J&J vaccine or two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. That could change if the CDC updates its definition of fully vaccinated to include boosters.

Psaki said the administration isn't expecting any operational disruptions from people choosing not to be vaccinated.

The White House Office of Management and Budget plans to release data on Wednesday showing how many employees in each department and agency have met the requirements of the vaccine mandate.

Heading into a busy travel week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his agency is well on its way to a nearly fully vaccinated workforce.

"We've seen numbers approaching 99% of people have gotten in their information, per the requirements," Buttigieg said Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press. "Either they're...vaccinated, or they're in the process of it, or they've put in a request for an exemption."

The largest federal employee union AFGE requested earlier this month that the Biden administration align the vaccination deadline for federal workers with the January deadline for employees of federal contractors, arguing it would be bad for morale for employees to face disciplinary action over the holidays. The White House didn't move either deadline.

But in congressional testimony, AFGE president Everett Kelley pointed to avoiding a government shutdown as "the single most important thing Congress can do to ensure a turbulence-free season."

Government funding is set to run out Dec. 3 unless Congress passes another funding measure.

Read more:

More than 90% of federal workers have had a shot by today's COVID-19 vaccine deadline - NPR