Wednesday, July 27, 2022
New COVID Vaccine Option Endorsed
The CDC has endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine be used as another primary series option for adults ages 18 years and older who are still unvaccinated
Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine, a different vaccine platform than current COVID-19 vaccines. It uses a more traditional biotechnology that has a much longer track record than the newer approaches, as it’s used for some flu, whooping cough, and HPV vaccines. These vaccines package harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus alongside another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future.
This new option may appeal to individuals who have been hesitant to be vaccinated with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines (both mRNA type) or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (viral vector type). Learn more about the four different COVID-19 vaccines available.
Two doses of Novavax are given in the primary series, 3–8 weeks apart. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive their 2 doses given 3 weeks apart.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is not authorized for use as a booster dose.
Local opportunities to receive the Novavax COVID vaccine will be posted to the sleevesup webpage when those details are available
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children
COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help protect everyone 6 months and older from COVID-19 and its complications.
Getting children and teens vaccinated against COVID-19 can help keep them from getting really sick if they do get COVID-19. Vaccinating children can also help relieve the strain on families by providing greater confidence in children participating in childcare, school, visiting grandparents, and other activities.
Just like adults, children and teens of all ages can:
- Get very sick from COVID-19
- Have both short- and long-term health problems
- Spread COVID-19 to others
There is no way to tell in advance how children or teens will be affected by COVID-19. Those with underlying medical conditions or who have a weakened immune system are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Some examples of conditions that can make children more likely to get severe COVID-19 include:
- Asthma or chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sickle cell disease
However, those without underlying medical conditions can also experience severe illness and be hospitalized. In fact, approximately 1 in 3 children younger than 18 years old hospitalized with COVID-19 have no underlying conditions.
Two COVID-19 vaccine products are authorized for kids. Your pediatrician can explain which vaccine is right for your baby, child or teen. If you have questions or concerns about getting your child vaccinated, please discuss them with your pediatrician or health care provider. Get more information.
152 New Cases and 1 Death Reported Since July 20
NEW POSITIVES
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Reporting
- 152* new positive cases reported since July 20.
- Total positive cases/individuals reported to date = 28,106
* Due to the wide availability of at-home rapid tests, the results of which are usually not reported/recorded, it is widely believed that new COVID cases are underreported. The number reported in this update is the number of new cases reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
HOSPITALIZATIONS
- 12 County Hospitalizations: Today, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has 5 inpatients with COVID-19 and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital has 7 inpatients hospitalized with COVID for a total of 12 persons hospitalized with COVID in Dubuque County.
COMMUNITY LEVEL
Dubuque County COVID-19 Community Level = MEDIUM
CDC Guidance for MEDIUM Community Level:
If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions (e.g., testing)
- Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and monoclonal antibodies
If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease
- consider self-testing to detect infection before contact
- consider wearing a mask when indoors with them
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.
Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION LEVEL
Dubuque County COVID-19 Community Transmission Level = HIGH
The CDC's Community Transmission Level is based on the number of new cases per 100,000 population and is used by local healthcare facilities to determine internal protocol and procedures.
DEATHS
- 1 new death reported since June 20.
- Total deaths related to COVID to date = 302
VACCINATIONS
- 65.1% of all county residents are fully vaccinated
- 57.3% of all county residents fully vaccinated have received a booster.
Get current information on Dubuque County vaccination opportunities.
Get information on local COVID-19 testing options.
Please do not reply to this message. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 563-556-6200.
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