The Jefferson County Health Department has reported three more COVID-19-related deaths – two men in their 60s and a man in his 80s.
With those deaths, the county has had a total of 51 COVID-19-related deaths this respiratory season, which began in October and ends in May, and 620 COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the Health Department.
Jefferson County’s COVID-19 Community Level is green or low on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) three-color warning system.
The CDC now recommends an additional bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for adults 65 and older and for those who are immunocompromised. Both Pfizer and Moderna offer the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition, the CDC also recommends everyone 6 and older who has not already received a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they previously completed their primary monovalent primary series, receive the bivalent booster, which targets the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
The original monovalent COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for use in the U.S.
People 6 and older who have already received a bivalent vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
For young children, recommendations vary by age, vaccine and which vaccines were previously received.
Alternatives for people who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine are still available, such as the monovalent Novavax or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines.
Local health officials also strongly encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Residents may go to vaccines.gov for information about where vaccine appointments are available.
Flu
A total of 3,532 flu cases have been reported since the respiratory season began in October, with two new cases reported April 16-22, according to the Health Department.
Of the total number of cases this respiratory season, 3,374 have been type A flu and 158 type B flu.
The county has had six flu deaths so far this respiratory season, the Health Department reported.
Health officials also strongly encourage people to get vaccinated against the flu.
Appointments for flu vaccines at the Health Department may be scheduled by calling 636-797-3737.
