Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Humboldt County Public Health reported today 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 10,332 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Two new hospitalizations were also reported, a resident in their 30s and another in their 60s.

Earlier today, the Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorization to expand eligibility for single Pfizer booster doses to 16- and 17-year-olds — if it’s been six months since their last shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) followed with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stating, “CDC is strengthening its booster recommendations and encouraging everyone 16 and older to receive a booster shot.”

With Omicron identified in California and 20 other U.S. states so far, Public Health is continuing to conduct genetic testing locally to monitor while awaiting the arrival of the fast-spreading variant.

All international passengers flying into the U.S., regardless of vaccination status, are now required to show a negative test taken one day before their departure as part of stricter travel requirements put in place this week by the CDC.

The CDC recommends that all international travelers get a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel regardless of vaccination status. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 after travel should test immediately.

Residents who have travelled internationally in the past two weeks and test positive with at-home tests are asked to call the Joint Information Center at 1-707-441-5000 to report their results to Public Health. Those who have not travelled outside the U.S. and test positive with an at-home test for COVID-19 should notify their primary care provider, or Public Health if there is no provider, and isolate to limit the spread of disease.

Travelers leaving Humboldt County who are flying internationally should contact the airline prior to travel and stay current on their destination’s specific COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements. Information can be found for most countries at the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory website.

All eligible adults aged 18 and older are encouraged to get a booster. Health officials also stress that those who are partially vaccinated should complete their vaccination series. A person who is fully vaccinated is half as likely to pass on the infection as someone who is unvaccinated. According to data from the CDC, an unvaccinated person is nearly six times more likely to get COVID-19 and 14 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a vaccinated person.

Public Health is offering family vaccination clinics throughout December to give priority to children aged 5 to 11 and provide family members a convenient way to get their vaccines.

Vaccines, including boosters, are available at local pharmacies. To check the availability of a specific vaccine, visit the vaccines.gov page, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

Humboldt County’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. Although walk-ins are allowed at most regular Public Health clinics and many pharmacy vaccination sites, a sharp increase in demand for boosters has caused delays at some locations. As a result, appointments are required for pediatric clinics and for clinics at Public Health’s main office. Appointments are strongly recommended for all other clinics and are the best way to ensure a shot is available during your visit. Appointments can be made at MyTurn.ca.gov.

See the schedule below for specific Public Health vaccination and testing clinic dates, times, locations and available services:

Trinidad Family Clinic— Thursday, Dec. 9, 4 to 7 p.m.
     Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
     Ages 5-18 and family members.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka— Friday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m – FULL
     College of the Redwoods Gym Lobby (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.

Hoopa Family Clinic — Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m
     Hoopa High (101 Loop Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.

Eureka — Sunday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Ag Building (5630 South Broadway)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
    Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka — Monday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     No testing available.
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
     Appointments required.

Eureka Booster Clinic — Tuesday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 18 and older.
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     No testing available.
     Appointments required.

Eureka Pediatric Clinic — Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1:15 to 3:30 p.m.
     Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
     Ages 5 to 11. Pfizer only. 
     No testing available.
     Appointments required.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     PCR and rapid testing available.
     $25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka— Thursday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
     Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
     No rapid testing available at this clinic. PCR testing offered through OptumServe on the lower floor of the Wharfinger Building.
     Appointments strongly recommended.

View the Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download data from a previous time.

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 1-707-441-5000.

Sign up for COVID-19 vaccination: MyTurn.ca.gov
Check for vaccine availability at a local pharmacy: Vaccines.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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