Press release from the Humboldt County Public Health Division:

Three Humboldt County residents in their 70s have died from COVID-19. The staff of the Department Operations Center extend their sympathies to the friends, loved ones and caregivers of those who died.

Two hospitalizations have also been reported, including a person in their 60s and one in their 70s. Forty-six new cases of COVID-19 were reported today, bringing the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus to 8,461.

Booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine are recommended for certain adults at least six months after the second dose to boost immunity that may have waned over time. Adults age 65 and older, adults age 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions and residents of long-term care facilities are advised to receive a booster. In addition, those age 18 to 49 with certain underlying medical conditions may choose getting a booster based on their individual benefits and risks. Those age 18 to 64 may also choose to receive a booster if they are at increased risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting.

As approval of Pfizer boosters was being announced Friday, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Rochelle Walensky highlighted the importance of all eligible residents getting vaccinated. “I want to be clear: We will not boost our way out of this pandemic,” she said Friday. “The most vulnerable are those unvaccinated.”

Based on the most recent local data, nearly 76,000, or about 64%, of the county’s vaccine-eligible residents age 12 and older are fully vaccinated, and almost 9,000 more are partially vaccinated. More than 34,000 vaccine-eligible residents age 12 and older remain unvaccinated.

Vaccine is widely available at local pharmacies and at Public Health vaccine clinics held throughout the week and in many outlying communities, where residents will have the option of getting tested, vaccinated or both, free of charge. Combo clinics will be held this week in Garberville, McKinleyville, Trinidad and Arcata.

Appointments for Public Health vaccination clinics are not required but are strongly recommended due to an 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:

Garberville — Wednesday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 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

Garberville — Friday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Garberville Farmers’ Market (Garberville Town Square)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Arcata — Saturday, Oct. 2, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Arcata Farmers’ Market (Arcata Plaza/808 G St.)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

Eureka — Monday, Oct. 4, 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, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
     Public Health (77 Walnut Way)
     Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
     PCR and rapid testing available

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

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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