Augusta Health issued the following announcement on Nov. 1
In partnership with the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD), Augusta Health continues community vaccinations for COVID-19.
Current Vaccination Dose Count at Augusta Health:
- Total doses given at Augusta Health Vaccination Clinics: 96,691
- Community member fully-vaccinated at AH Vaccination Clinics: 45,057
- Boosters for the immunocompromised 10,753
Our community numbers and statistics continue their positive trends.
The statistical COVID data shows a decline in prevalence across our region; our Augusta Health testing positivity is now at 13%. Our current inpatient COVID-19 census is 23, with two deaths over the past week. The percentage of our COVID-19 patients who are critical care/ICU level patients remains at about 20% of hospitalized COVID patients. As mentioned last week, we have returned to operating only one ICU.
Augusta Health team members are returning to their home departments and elective services are reopening with a phased approach.
Augusta Health believes that increasing vaccination rates is the best and fastest way out of this pandemic. Thanks to those who have already vaccinated. COVID vaccinations are the still the most effective and lasting way to prevent COVID infections in our community, and the best defense against serious illness and death.
Please vaccinate, wear masks indoors even if vaccinated, wash hands frequently and stay socially distant from others when possible. As the winter holidays approach, and celebrations move indoors, these strategies will become even more important to prevent another surge in COVID cases.
Vaccination Eligibility
Augusta Health is vaccinating everyone age 12 and older who lives, works or goes to school in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for individuals age 18 and over. Pfizer vaccine is authorized for individuals age 12 and older; a parent or legal guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of those under the age of 18.
Children Age 5-11 update:
The FDA has recommended approval of smaller-dose Pfizer vaccine for children age 5 to 11, and it is likely that the CDC will approve the recommendation this week. Augusta Health anticipates opening Pfizer Vaccination Clinics for younger children at the end of this week. To ensure patient safety and in awareness of the different dosage for this age group, these will be separate clinics for ages 5-11 only at the on-campus location. Again, a parent or legal guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of those under the age of 18.
After the vaccinations are approved by the CDC, appointments will be available at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
Booster Eligibility Information:
There are now two groups of previously vaccinated people who can receive third-dose COVID-19 booster shots.
The first group, approved several weeks ago is:
- Individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (no proof of a medical condition is required at this time); and who
- Have already received two doses of either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine; and who
- Received their second dose of vaccine more than 28 days ago.
For those who received a Pfizer or Moderna series and are:
- Age 65 and over
- Age 18+ and live in a long-term care facility
- Age 18+ and are immune suppressed
- Age 18+ with underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in a high-risk setting
- Age 18+
- At least 6 months after you completed your Pfizer or Moderna series
- If you're immune suppressed and have completed either the Pfizer or Moderna series, you can get a 3rd dose in 28 days
- At least 2 months after Johnson & Johnson vaccination
• You can get any booster shot you prefer if you meet the above criteria.
PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR VACCINE/BOOSTER at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
For patient safety concerns, vaccines will be offered on specific days. Please be sure make an appointment for a clinic that is offering the vaccine you want. If you are registering for a booster, and are switching vaccine, make an appointment for the type of booster you want. For example, if you originally received a Pfizer vaccine, but would like a Moderna booster, make an appointment in a Moderna clinic.
If you have questions about eligibility, please call Augusta Health's Vaccination Call Center at (540) 332-5122.
Please bring your COVID Vaccination Record Card to the booster appointment.
Vaccinations in Primary Care Offices
Vaccinations for COVID-19 continue in all Augusta Medical Group primary care offices. Patients who prefer to receive a vaccination from their personal physician should contact their doctor's office to be scheduled into the next available vaccination appointment block.
Community-Based Clinics
This week, Augusta Health has completed its effort to provide vaccinations at local long-term care facilities to assist with the vaccination of residents and staff at those sites. This week, the Community Vaccination Team will begin efforts to provide boosters and vaccinations to other vulnerable populations in shelters, congregate living communities and apartment neighborhoods.
Community organizations that would like to partner with Augusta Health for a Vaccination Clinic can contact VaccinationTaskForce@augustahealth.com for more information on the requirements.
Large on-campus Vaccination Clinics
Please make an appointment for on-campus clinics.
Go to vaccinate.augustahealth.com to view the links and schedule an appointment. Information about new clinics, the links and the criteria for each link, are posted as available. On-campus clinics this week are:
- Monday, November 1: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Clinic from 3 pm to 7 pm.
The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
- Tuesday, November 2: Pfizer Clinic from 3 pm to 7 pm.
The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
- Wednesday, November 3: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Clinic from 9 am to 1 pm.
The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
Vaccination Call Center
Not everyone has access to the internet. Others just have questions. For assistance, call Augusta Health's Vaccination Call Center at (540) 332-5122. The Call Center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm to answer questions and help to schedule vaccination appointments.
Homebound patients are being vaccinated through a pilot program with Central Shenandoah EMS. Contact the Vaccination Call Center for more information.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up