December 20, 2021
The number of confirmed Omicron infections in Iowa jumped to 18 on Friday including people who had not traveled recently. Iowans should expect that community spread of the Omicron variant is occurring, according to state health officials. The World Health Organization recently reported that the number of Omicron cases is doubling in 1.5 to 3 days in areas with community transmission and is spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity. Omicron’s spread comes as Iowa is faced with a surge of infections and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant.
Pfizer and Moderna both report a booster dose significantly raises the level of antibodies against Omicron as well as other variants. Boosters are available for anyone 16 and older who completed their primary vaccination series with Pfizer or Moderna 6 months following completion of their primary series. Johnson and Johnson recipients should get a booster dose at least 2 months after their initial shot. Recipients may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster.
Still have questions about the Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11?
Check out or share information from our local healthcare partners at MercyOne and UnityPoint Health.
Due to high demand, it’s recommended that individuals call ahead or schedule appointments online.
PRACTICE PREVENTION
· Avoid indoor crowds if possible
· Mask up in public indoor places
· Isolate and get tested if you have symptoms
GET TESTED TO PROTECT OTHERS
Rapid and laboratory viral tests forCOVID-19 are available through pharmacies and healthcare systems. Iowans may also use the free at-home testing through testiowa.com. Activated and completed Test Iowa kits can be dropped off at: Peoples Community Health Clinic, 905 Franklin Street, Waterloo. Tests received by 1 pm, Monday-Friday, will be transported the same day to the State Hygienic Lab, with results expected within 24hours. Tests dropped off after 1 pm on Thursday will be delivered the following Monday. Tests can also be dropped off at any UPS location.
Testing is a useful tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially as we gather over the holidays. Please plan ahead as tests requiring a lab result may be delayed. For Test Iowa, there will be no pickup from Peoples Community Health Clinic on December 24 and 31. The State Hygienic Lab will be closed on December 25 and January 1.
For information on what to do if you have a positive test, click here. For information or whether therapeutic options are appropriate for you, please talk with your healthcare provider; visit this site to learn more.
15.2% = 14-Day Average Percent Positive in Black Hawk County
147 positive cases since 12/17; 32 cases since 12/19
Black Hawk County residents that have received at least one COVID-19vaccine as of 12/19 by age:
70.5% (18+) 10.9% (5-11) 59.4% (12-17) 39.7% (18-24)
During the week of 12/13/21 – 12/19/21:
487 individuals received their initial COVID-19 vaccine, 547 received their second dose and 1,857 received their booster or third dose.
For information related to COVID-19, visithttps://www.bhcpublichealth.org/ and follow us on Facebook(@BlackHawkCountyHealthDepartment) and Twitter (@BHCHD). Please note that the Black Hawk County Health Department offices will be closed on December 23, 24,and 31.