COVID: We’re still in high-risk zone, but with signs of easing

Moderna and J&J booster appointments now available and more.

By VashonBePrepared • October 27, 2021 1:30 am
(VashonBePrepared Graph) Although there are hopeful signs around the state that the Delta surge might be easing off, it is clearly not over. The Vashon new case rate remains above the red line in a zone the CDC defines as high risk for spread of COVID. Current case rate data places Vashon in a zone of high rate of spread of COVID infections. Anything more than 100 cases/100,000 population falls into the high disease transmission category. In the last few weeks, Vashon has been well over double the high transmission rate classification, a rate equal to or greater than last winter’s holiday travel spike.
(VashonBePrepared Graph) Although there are hopeful signs around the state that the Delta surge might be easing off, it is clearly not over. The Vashon new case rate remains above the red line in a zone the CDC defines as high risk for spread of COVID. Current case rate data places Vashon in a zone of high rate of spread of COVID infections. Anything more than 100 cases/100,000 population falls into the high disease transmission category. In the last few weeks, Vashon has been well over double the high transmission rate classification, a rate equal to or greater than last winter’s holiday travel spike.

By VashonBePrepared

Note: The following is an updated version of a COVID update from VashonBePrepared, sent by email to community members on Saturday, Oct. 23. The original email is available to read in Spanish and English at tinyurl.com/yan39zeh.

Moderna and J&J booster appointments now available

Vashonites can now sign up to get any of the three vaccine types at the booster vaccination clinic. The clinic was opened a few weeks ago by Vashon Pharmacy at the Methodist Church with support from Vashon Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Vashon Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Initially, only Pfizer boosters were available, but the federal and state sign-offs were completed last week, adding Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters to the authorized list.

“Our website appointment page has gone live so people can sign up for one of the many available appointment slots, and we will be adding more appointments. We are having no trouble getting all the vaccine we need, unlike the challenge we faced earlier this year when vaccines were first being released,” said Tyler Young, owner of Vashon Pharmacy. “You must make an appointment to get your shot, and be sure to bring your vaccination card with you so we can put a sticker on it showing you got your booster.”

You can make your appointment at VashonPharmacy.com/COVID. An appointment is required; there’s no drop-in service. Pharmacy vaccinations are being provided at two locations. Booster shots are at the Methodist Church education building. All primary series (first and second doses of Moderna and Pfizer and first doses of Johnson & Johnson) vaccinations are still at the pharmacy.

“There are some eligibility details so we’ve redesigned our COVID vaccination page to walk people through that eligibility process, including factors such as age and exposure risks due to employment and living circumstances. It’s all on the honor system,” Young added.

“Also, we hope everyone will make an appointment to get their flu shot now,” urged Dr. Ina Oppliger, one of the leaders of the Vashon MRC. “You really don’t want to get flu and COVID-19 at the same time.”

Dr. Oppliger added that there’s no requirement to space out the timing of your COVID vaccination and your flu shot, so you can get them as soon as you like. Flu shots are available at your healthcare provider and Vashon Pharmacy: VashonPharmacy.com/Vaccination-Center

Proof of vaccination now needed in many places

COVID vaccination proof is now required before entering many public places. The new regulation that went into effect this week requires vaccination proof (or proof of a negative test within 72 hours) before entering restaurants, bars, indoor performing arts and live music spots, movie theaters, gyms, and large outdoor venues (KingCounty.gov/verify).

You can show your:

• CDC vaccination card or a photo of it on your phone. This widely used card is provided by Vashon Pharmacy and most other vaccine providers.

• Certificate or QR code from your vaccination record at MyIRmobile.com, a Washington State Department of Health partner site.

• Vaccine provider shot record from your doctor, pharmacy, or another provider from within or outside the U.S., including a photo or photocopy

• Some venues also require a matching photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Don’t let your Halloween be ‘haunted’ by COVID

Children aged 11 and younger are not yet able to be vaccinated, so take extra care to keep them safe from infection. It’s important because, even if they have only a mild case, they may spread the virus to vulnerable elders or others who would be at higher risk if they were to get infected.

• Get creative by incorporating COVID masks into your child’s costume. Everyone age 3 and older should wear a mask over their mouth and nose when around others.

• Think small while making the trick-or-treating rounds. Opt for small groups of vaccinated household members; avoid crowded venues.

• Before digging into the Halloween treats, step away from the crowd and use hand sanitizer.

• Think carefully about everyone in your household. Are family or friends at increased risk? If so, maybe you’ll want to make alternate plans to reduce the risk of exposing them.

• Please don’t go trick-or-treating if anyone in the family is sick or having symptoms. Get tested; get vaccinated. See VashonBePrepared.org for info on testing and vaccination.

Vashon Community COVID Statistics

228 = total COVID cases for Vashon residents since the pandemic began

112 = new cases since early July when the Delta variant hit Vashon

6 = patients hospitalized since the pandemic began

3 = deaths since the pandemic began

88% of Vashon residents aged 12+ are fully vaccinated (more than 95% have the first shot)

Public Health – Seattle & King County stats show that unvaccinated county residents are nine times more likely to test positive for COVID, 67 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID and 76 times more likely to die of COVID-related illness.

Please, get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so. If you started and didn’t finish, please get the full benefit of your first shot by getting your second shot.

For more resources and information, visit VashonBePrepared.org. Sign up at tinyurl.com/4smk364m to receive updates from the group. VashonBePrepared can also be found on Facebook by searching the name, typed as one word.