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). To learn more about the four different COVID-19 vaccines available, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#about-vaccines

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 www.dubuquecounty.org/sleevesup 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. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children/6-things-to-know.html

6 Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children

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, 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.

Dubuque County is currently at a HIGH level of community transmission of COVID-19. Click here to visit the CDC's COVID Data Tracker site.

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

For current information on Dubuque County vaccination opportunities, visit www.dubuquecounty.org/sleevesup.

For information on local COVID-19 testing options, visit www.dubuquecounty.org/covidtesting

Please do not reply to this message. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 563.556.6200.

To subscribe to these updates, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/getcovidupdates