An advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted unanimously today to recommend emergency use authorization for a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for adults 18 and older. The committee yesterday recommended that the agency authorize Moderna boosters for certain high-risk groups.
The committee also discussed data on using a booster of a different vaccine type from the one used in the primary series, commonly called “mixing and matching, but did not make a recommendation.
The agency is expected to make an official decision on boosters for both vaccines sometime in the coming days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is then expected to meet sometime in the next week to discuss who will be recommended to receive them. More details will be released as they become available.
10 New Cases Reported; No Hospitalizations or Deaths
Humboldt County Public Health reported 10 additional cases of COVID-19 today, bringing to 9,015 the number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. No hospitalizations or deaths were reported.
Since the last weekly data update on Oct. 8, the county has recorded 182 new cases. Two deaths were reported during that same period, including a fully vaccinated person over the age of 80 and an unvaccinated person in their 70s.
Five hospitalizations were reported over the last week, including one fully vaccinated person in their 70s. Age ranges of the four unvaccinated individuals who were hospitalized are one person in their 40s, one in their 60s and two in their 70s.
The seven-day average case rate in Humboldt County is currently 19.9, meaning that for every 100,000 residents, just under 20 residents tested positive daily over the last seven days. The average case rate varies considerably depending on vaccination status, as illustrated by the graph below, depicting average weekly case rates since Dec. 2020 in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated residents.
The current seven-day average case rate for vaccinated individuals is 8 per 100,000 residents, while the case rate for unvaccinated residents is more than four times higher at 34 per 100,000. Though cases have fallen from their peaks, rates for both groups remain higher than any time prior to the surge in late summer. View a more detailed depiction of the case rate graph.
Health officials continue to urge residents, particularly those who are unvaccinated, to get tested if they are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
Testing is available through OptumServe seven days a week at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. Mobile testing sites are scheduled throughout the county most weekdays. For more information about testing, go to humboldtgov.org/covidtestregistration.
The county’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. Appointments for Public Health vaccination clinics are not required but are recommended due to an increase in demand for additional doses and boosters.
Residents who receive their first or second dose at a vaccination clinic located at a Public Health facility in Eureka, Willow Creek or Garberville can choose a $25 Renner Petroleum or Coming Attractions Theatres gift card. Incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
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:
Miranda — Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
South Fork High School (6831 Avenue of the Giants)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
Eureka — Sunday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
College of the Redwoods (7351 Tompkins Hill Road)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
Eureka — Monday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
No testing available
$25 gift card for those receiving a first or second dose
Weitchpec — Tuesday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Yurok Tribal Office (CA-96)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
Willow Creek — Tuesday, Oct. 19, 3 to 5 p.m.
Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
$25 gift card for those receiving a first or second dose
Garberville — Wednesday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Public Health Office (727 Cedar St.)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
$25 gift card for those receiving a first or second dose
Orick — Thursday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Orick Elementary School (120918 US-101)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
Trinidad — Thursday, Oct. 21, 4 to 7 p.m.
Trinidad Town Hall (409 Trinity St.)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
Eureka — Friday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Veterans Hall (1018 H St.)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna
PCR and rapid testing available
Check availability of a specific vaccine at local pharmacies at vaccines.gov, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.
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 a Public Health clinic 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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