Press release from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:

68 New Cases Reported Since Friday 

A total of 3,785 Humboldt County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, after 68 additional cases were recorded since the most recent report on Friday. 

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Cleared for Use

The recommended pause in administration of the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine has been lifted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  

A joint statement issued by the two federal agencies stated that “available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older.” The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also reviewed the data and concluded that use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should resume.  

The pause was implemented after six cases of an extremely rare but severe type of blood clot developed in women between the ages of 18 and 59 who had received this specific vaccine. A total of 15 cases were identified out of more than 6.8 million doses administered. Information about the low risk of blood clots and alternative vaccines will be shared with recipients, and the CDC and FDA will continue to monitor all vaccines currently authorized for emergency use.  

Read more about the CDC review panel’s findings at https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/fda-cdc-lift-vaccine-use.html. 

Clinics Scheduled in Fortuna and Arcata This Week

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned in Fortuna and Arcata this week for both first and second doses.  

All appointments available this week through My Turn are for the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only vaccine authorized for 16- and 17-year olds. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and provide proof of age. County residents due for a second dose of the Moderna vaccine should call the Humboldt County Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000 for scheduling information. 

See the schedule of Pfizer clinics below: 

• Arcata Community Center – Wednesday, April 28 through Sunday, May 2
• Fortuna High School – Saturday, May 1. 

Walk-ins hours are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this week at the Arcata Community Center, though appointments are encouraged to reduce wait times and help prevent wasted doses. 

For appointment times and to register, go to MyTurn.ca.gov.

View the Humboldt County Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download today’s data. 

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000. 

Some Safeway, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreen’s and Walmart locations are offering COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Learn who is eligible for vaccination and see if there are appointments available at one of these locations by clicking on the links below.

Safeway: mhealthappointments.com/covidappt
CVS Pharmacy: cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-link2-coronavirus-vaccine
Rite Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/covid-19
Walgreen’s: walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
Walmart: walmart.com/cp/1228302 

Sign up for COVID-19 vaccination: MyTurn.ca.gov
Local COVID-19 vaccine information: humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo
Humboldt County COVID-19 Data Dashboard: humboldtgov.org/Dashboard
Follow us on Facebook: @HumCoCOVID19
Instagram: @HumCoCOVID19
Twitter: @HumCoCOVID19
Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert  

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