COVID-19 cases increase by 21

There were 21 new cases of COVID-19 reported to the Atchison County Health Department from November 1-7, 2021:

1 female, 2 males – ages 0-9

2 females, 3 males – ages 10-19

1 female, 1 male – ages 20-29

1 female, 4 males – ages 30-39

3 females, 1 male – ages 40-49

1 female, 1 male – ages 50-59

As of November 7, 2021, 714 total COVID-19 cases and 17 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported in Atchison County and there are currently 21 active cases. There is one active COVID-19 hospitalization in our local hospital. The current 7-day testing positivity rate is 11.0%.

BREAKTHROUGH CASES

The Atchison County Health Department is gathering data to determine the number of known breakthrough cases for Atchison County since vaccines were first made available late last year. Vaccine breakthrough infection is defined as the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen in a respiratory specimen collected from a person 14 or more days days after they have completed all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. There have been 82 breakthrough cases as of November 7, 2021. Fully vaccinated persons as of November 7, 2021, total 2,523. To date, 3.25% of fully vaccinated persons in Atchison County have tested positive for COVID-19 and are considered to be breakthrough cases. This means that the data shows that COVID-19 vaccines administered in Atchison County thus far have been very effective.

COVID VACCINE UPDATES

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC’s recommendation was made based on an in-depth review of available safety, immunogenicity and efficacy data. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children on October 29. Previously, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was authorized for use in individuals age 12 and older. The vaccine for children age 5-11 is a smaller dose (10 µg), which is a third of the dosage for individuals 12 years and older (30 µg). The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, three weeks apart, for all eligible individuals.

Atchison County Health Department has pre-ordered Pediatric Pfizer and will have it available soon. The health department will offer Pediatric Pfizer by appointment only. Call 660-736-4121 if interested and your child will be added to the list.

Booster Doses for

Pfizer, Moderna or

Johnson & Johnson vaccine

For individuals who received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older

• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings

• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions

• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For those who received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

COVID-19 booster shots are administered anywhere the COVID-19 vaccine is available. Individuals do not need to get their booster shot at the same location they received their initial series. Those seeking a booster shot can visit MOStopsCovid.com to find a nearby provider and schedule an appointment or locate a walk-in clinic.

Locations for COVID vaccine in Atchison County include the following:

• Atchison County Health Department, Tarkio – Appointments available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 660-736-4121 for an appointment.

• Rogers Pharmacy, Tarkio – Call 660-736-5512 for an appointment.

• Stoner Drug, Rock Port – Call 660-744-2433 for an appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Rates

Atchison County has continued to rank in the top 10 since the state started tracking. For total population, Atchison County is ranked sixth in the state with 49.1% of residents completing vaccinations and ranked eighth in the state with 51.8% of residents receiving at least one COVID vaccine dose. In total, 5,164 doses have been given in Atchison County.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Atchison County Health Department has all three vaccines available – Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer. COVID-19 vaccines are free and appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pfizer is the vaccine available for those ages five years of age and older. Anyone age 5-17 will need an adult present during the vaccination. To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, go to www.vaccines.gov and type in your zip code.

If any businesses have employees interested in the COVID vaccine, Atchison County Health Department will come to you. Call 660-736-4121. If you know of any home-bound individuals needing a COVID-19 vac-cination, reach out at 660-736-4121.

COVID-19 TESTING

Atchison County Health Department continues to have COVID-19 antigen testing by appointment Monday through Thursday. Hours available for testing are: Monday-Thursday, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. Call 660-736-4121 to make an appointment. Testing is done car-side. Those who live or work or go to school in Atchison County will take precedence.

Community Hospital-Fairfax offers COVID testing Monday-Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Call 660-686-2211 to register.

Missouri Department of Health has free at-home test kits that can be ordered online. Visit https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/community-test.php#self-collection to find out more information about those kits and how to order.

IT’S FLU SEASON!

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Atchison County Health Department has flu vaccines available for children and adults. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If any businesses are interested in hosting a flu clinic, call 660-736-4121.

COVID-19 IN ATCHISON COUNTY

11-8-21

FATALITIES 17

ACTIVE CASES 21

CASES REMOVED

FROM ISOLATION 676

TOTAL CASES 714

MALE 335

FEMALE 379

UNDER 20 YEARS 108

21-29 YEARS 72