FISHERSVILLE – The CDC currently identifies the transmission rate in August County as high.
However, some of our key statistics are starting to decline, the Augusta Health news agency said in an update on 16 February.
The positive level of Augusta Health testing for the week of February 6-12 was 32.2%. The current census of inpatients on COVID-19 is 26 people, three people have died in the last week, the update said.
Over the past day, 38 new positive cases of COVID have been diagnosed at the Augusta Health Survey – although more than 60 new cases have been reported in the past week.
As of February 16, thirty-two Augusta Health staff members are absent due to illness.
In addition to significant vaccination efforts, Augusta Health treats infected patients who meet the criteria, using infusion of monoclonal antibodies (MABS), if materials are available.
The MABS infusion occurs after a positive COVID test and a doctor’s referral.
Last week, 70 patients were admitted to Augusta Health, a total of 1,201 patients since the clinic opened. Less than 5% of those receiving MABS infusions should be hospitalized later.
“Please vaccinate, wear masks indoors, even when vaccinated, wash your hands often and stay socially distant from others if possible. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID and protect yourself from severe COVID that requires hospitalization “.
The right to vaccination
Augusta Health is vaccinating everyone over the age of 5 who lives, works or goes to school in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for persons over 18 years of age.
The Pfizer vaccine is approved for individuals 5 years of age and older; a parent or legal guardian must be present to consent to the vaccination of persons under 18 years of age.
In addition, the booster criteria were updated today to take the fourth dose for those with moderately or severely weakened immunity. Suitability varies by vaccine, so please note changes in criteria and updates for the selected vaccine.
Vaccines for children 5 to 11 years
To ensure patient safety and to be aware of the different dosages for the 5-11 age group, there are separate clinics for 5-11 year olds only on campus. Parents or legal guardians must be present to consent to the vaccination of persons under 18 years of age.
Vaccinations in primary care units
Vaccinations against COVID-19 continue in all Augusta Medical Group primary care units. Patients who prefer to be vaccinated by their personal physician should contact their physician’s office to be enrolled in the next available vaccination record block.
Community vaccine clinics
This week, Augusta Health’s vaccination team will provide vaccines at Birch Gardens in Staunton, Birch Ridge, Brightview Baldwin Park, Augusta Health and Rehabilitation, Stonton School, Bridgewater College and a Hispanic community event at St. John’s Catholic Church in Waynesboro. At the event of St. She will be available translators.
To date, more than 10,400 vaccines have been administered in the clinics of vulnerable communities by the Augusta Special Task Force. NGOs wishing to collaborate with the Augusta Health Vaccination Clinic can contact VaccinationTaskForce@augustahealth.com for more information on the requirements.
Mass vaccine clinics on campus
Wednesday, February 16: Pfizer Clinic from 3pm to 6pm for those aged 12 and over.
For the first dose and the second dose available for those 12 years of age and older, a booster dose is available for those 16 years of age and older. Parents or guardians must be present to consent to the vaccination of a child under 18 years of age.
Friday, February 18: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Clinics from 9 a.m. to noon for persons aged 18 and over. For the first dose, the second dose and booster dose are available for individuals over 18 years of age.
Be sure to bring your COVID vaccination record card to all meetings. If you have any questions, call 540-332-5122.
To register and make an appointment, visit vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
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– Monique Calello (she / she) has been a journalist for The News Leader / USA TODAY Network since she made the Shenandoah Valley her home almost 10 years ago. Do you have a good feature or hint on history? You can contact her at mcalello@newsleader.com.
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