Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Fourteen additional cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Humboldt County today, bringing to 8,730 the total number of county residents who have tested positive for the virus. Two hospitalizations of people in their 50s were also reported. One previously reported hospitalization has been removed as it was determined to be from outside the jurisdiction. 

Vaccination and testing services are available free of charge in the county. All eligible residents are encouraged to get vaccinated against the virus as the most effective way to prevent severe outcomes such as hospitalization or death.

Those who have had COVID-19 are also advised to get vaccinated as soon as their isolation period ends. Those who were treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma are advised to wait 90 days before getting vaccinated, according to the CDC. Those who have a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C or MIS-A) should also wait 90 days after infection before getting vaccinated. For more information about natural immunity or getting vaccinated after infection, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html. 

Fewer than two thirds of individuals who recover from COVID-19 infection develop some level of natural immunity, and those levels vary widely among individuals, according to a study published last month. Natural immunity, when it does develop, is estimated to fade within 90 days of recovery. After infection, unvaccinated individuals are more than twice as likely to get COVID-19 again as compared to vaccinated individuals, according to a study published in August 2021. 

Appointments for Public Health vaccination clinics are not required but are now strongly recommended due to a recent increase in demand for additional doses and boosters. Sign up in advance at MyTurn.ca.gov. For instructions in English and Spanish on how to use My Turn, go to humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo.

See the schedule below for specific clinic dates, times, locations and available services:

Eureka — Thursday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     College of the Redwoods main parking lot (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Friday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
     Agriculture Building (5630 S. Broadway)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Hoopa — Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Hoopa High School (101 Loop Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

McKinleyville — Sunday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     McKinleyville High School (1300 Murray Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Oct. 12, 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

Check availability of a specific vaccine at local pharmacies at vaccines.gov, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

Pfizer is authorized for those 12 and older, and Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. County residents age 16 and 17 can receive a vaccination at Public Health clinics without a parent or guardian physically present as long as they have a signed consent form. Children under 16 still must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

No-cost testing is available through OptumServe seven days a week at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka and at mobile testing sites throughout the county most weekdays. To make an appointment, visit lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. Turnaround times for test results through OptumServe average 48 to 96 hours.

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, the OptumServe test site at the Fortuna River Lodge will be closed. Public Health will offer PCR testing at the Fortuna Senior Resource Center (2280 Newburg Road) from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Visit home.color.com/covid/sign-up/start?partner=cdph1060 to sign up.

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 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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