Public Health News_100121
Black Hawk County Public Health News
10/1/2021
COVID-19 Important/New Information
COVID-19 & Pregnancy. The CDC recommends urgent action to help protect those who are pregnant and their unborn babies. Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. These data suggest that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risk so vaccination during pregnancy. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with people who are not pregnant.
COVID-19 & Fertility. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.
COVID-19 & those not Vaccinated. Getting everyone who is eligible vaccinated with a COVID-19 primary vaccine series remains the highest priority and is fundamental to reducing COVID-related deaths and illness. Persons or all ages who have received a primary vaccine series are much less likely than unvaccinated persons to become infected and to require hospitalization or die because of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Pfizer Booster Doses. The CDC now recommends that people aged 65 and older, residents of long-term care settings and people aged 50-64 with underlying medical conditions receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer primary series. Other groups, including those who work or live in high risk settings and those aged 18-64 with underlying medical conditions are also eligible for a booster at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer primary series. Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
COVID-19 Treatment Options. Iowans diagnosed with COVID-19 may be able to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent bad outcomes by receiving antibody treatment. It’s important to do this early before symptoms progress to ensure the best possible outcome. Iowans should talk to their healthcare provider about whether this is an option for them.
COVID-19 Dashboard. Visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ for current Iowa data.
CURRENTBLACK HAWK COUNTY COVID-19 STATUS
9.5% = 14-DayAverage Percent Positive in Black Hawk County
27 = New Positive Cases for 10/1/21
66.0% of Black Hawk County residents (16+) have received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine as of 9/26/21
65.5% of Iowans(16+) have received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine as of 9/26/21
VACCINES & TESTING
COVID-19vaccines are widely available in the community. Visit the Black Hawk County Health Department website or vaccinate.iowa.gov for additional information. Vaccines remain the most powerful tool we have against COVID-19. Iowans have the option for at-home testing and may choose to pick up a test kit from a site in their community or have a kit sent to their home at no cost. Visit testiowa.com for more information.