December 21, 2022
The number of reported COVID-19 cases are rising quickly in Adair County. The Adair County Health Department reports 67 for the seven-day period from Dec. 13 through 19, an increase of 25 over the previous period.
There have been 154 cases of COVID-19 reported to the Health Department in December and 104 cases of Influenza A. Influenza B and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are adding to the increasing number of respiratory illnesses keeping hospitals, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies busy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released two reports last Friday about the efficacy of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 bivalent boosters. The data indicate the risk of an emergency room visit or hospitalization due to COVID-19 is reduced by 50% or more for those who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Annual flu vaccines also provide protection against severe illness, especially for children and the elderly.
There is no vaccine yet for RSV. But the CDC recommends that everyone eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine and the COVID-19 bivalent booster get them to protect them during the current triple threat of respiratory viruses.
The Adair County Health Department continues to administer COVID-19 vaccines and bivalent boosters for residents ages 12 and older from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesdays as long as vaccine supplies last. The Health Department also continues administering the seasonal flu vaccine to those ages three and older. Parents of residents under age 12 should contact their child’s doctor or pharmacy about getting COVID-19 vaccines.
To obtain information about slowing the spread of respiratory illnesses or to schedule a COVID-19 or flu vaccine, call the Adair County Health Department at 660-665-8491.
