Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today recommended Pfizer booster doses for certain at-risk groups, following emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this week.

The CDC announced that it will align its guidance for Pfizer boosters with the FDA’s and recommend:

• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster.
• people aged 50–64 years with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster.
• people aged 18–49 years with certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster, based on their individual benefits and risks
• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster, based on their individual benefits and risks.

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup completed its review of these recommendations today and signed off on the move.

Individuals are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider to determine if a booster is right for them. Booster doses for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have not been approved. 

Learn more about CDC’s recommendations at cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0924-booster-recommendations-.html.

23 New Cases Reported; Case, Hospitalization Rates Remain High

Twenty-three new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Humboldt County today, bringing to 8,352 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Two hospitalizations have also been reported, including a person in their 60s and one over the age of 80.

The county has seen a slight improvement in the case and hospitalization rates, but local health officials caution that both metrics are still higher than at any point before August, the deadliest month of the pandemic. 

Since the last weekly data update on Sept. 17, the county has recorded 254 new cases. Nine deaths have been reported during that same period; none of them were  fully vaccinated.

Of the twelve hospitalizations reported over the last week, only one represented a post-vaccination infection while 11 had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Age ranges of reported hospitalizations are as follows:

• 1 person in their 20s
• 1 person in their 50s
• 6 people in their 60s
• 3 people in their 70s
• 1 person over the age of 80.

The graph below depicts average weekly case rates in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated local residents.

The seven-day average case rate is currently 26, meaning that for every 100,000 county residents, about 26 people have tested positive daily over the last seven days, though that rate varies considerably depending on vaccination status. 

The seven-day average case rate for fully vaccinated individuals is 10 per 100,000 residents. The rate for unvaccinated people is more than four times higher at 46 per 100,000. View a more detailed depiction of the case rate graph.

COVID-19 vaccine is widely available in Humboldt County in pharmacies, through primary care providers and at Public Health vaccination clinics, most of which also offer rapid and PCR testing for the virus. To check availability of a specific vaccine, visit vaccines.gov, or text your ZIP code to 438829 to locate a pharmacy offering vaccines nearby.

Appointments are not required but are now strongly recommended due to an anticipated increase in demand. 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:

McKinleyville — Saturday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     Church of the Joyful Healer (1944 Central Ave.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Arcata — Saturday, Sept. 25, noon to 2 p.m.
     Carlson Park (5201 Carlson Park Drive)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Redway — Sunday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Redwoods Rural Health Center (101 West Coast Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Monday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health (529 I St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     Testing NOT available

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Public Health (77 Walnut Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Garberville — Wednesday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Public Health (727 Cedar St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

McKinleyville — Thursday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Dollar General (1180 Murray Road)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Trinidad — Thursday, Sept. 30, 4 to 7 p.m.
     Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

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.

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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