Jefferson County Health Center recently issued the following announcement.
The Omicron wave is causing a surge in COVID-19 cases across Iowa alongside an increase in hospitalized patients. Jefferson County’s positivity rate is at 21%, which means that nearly 1 in 4 COVID-19 tests administered to Jefferson County residents come back positive.
As we work through this new surge, we would like to remind you of the common-sense precautions to take when community transmission is high.
GET VACCINATED
Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent COVID-19. And even if a breakthrough infection occurs, vaccinated individuals with COVID-19 report milder symptoms, and are less likely to need hospitalization.
Initial vaccinations and booster doses are available at JCHC Clinics. Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 641-469-4180 to schedule a vaccination appointment. We administer the Pfizer vaccine.
Pfizer vaccine guidelines are below:
| Patient Age and Condition | Primary Series | Booster Dose(s) |
| 18+ | 2 doses; given 3 weeks apart
| Eligible for either Pfizer or Moderna booster dose; should be given at least 5 months after their last dose. |
| 12-17 | Eligible only for Pfizer booster dose; should be given at least 5 months after their last dose | |
| 5-11 | Not currently eligible for booster | |
| 18+ (immunocompromised) | 3 doses; second dose is given 3 weeks after first dose, and third dose is given 4 weeks after second dose | Eligible for either Pfizer or Moderna booster dose; should be given at least 5 months after their last dose. |
| 12-17 (immunocompromised | Eligible only for Pfizer booster dose; should be given at least 5 months after their last dose. | |
| 5-11 (immunocompromised) | Not currently eligible for booster |
In addition to vaccination, there are other steps you can take to limit transmission of the virus.
MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING
Keep 6 feet away from others when in a public space, and avoid crowds whenever possible.
WEAR A MASK WHEN IN PUBLIC
The CDC recommends wearing a mask that fits snugly and fully covers your mouth, nose, and chin. N95 or KN95 masks offer the highest level of protection, followed by surgical or medical masks. Cloth masks offer the lowest level of protection, but are much better than no mask at all.
GET TESTED AND QUARANTINE IF YOU FEEL SICK
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, schedule a test and quarantine while you wait for the results. Jefferson County Health Center offers drive-through testing. Call 641-469-4180 to schedule an appointment.
STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE COVID-19
Individuals with mild cases can recover at home while monitoring symptoms. The only time you should leave your home is to receive medical care. If you must travel outside your home, be sure to wear a mask and social distance.
Click here to see the CDC’s latest recommended isolation timeline, and check with your school or workplace for their specific return-to-work policies.
Jefferson County Health Center is here to help. If you have questions about COVID-19, want a vaccination, or need to get tested, contact our COVID-19 hotline at 641-469-4180
Original source can be found here.
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