Central Shenandoah News

Augusta Health issued the following announcement on Nov. 15

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: 100,548
• Community member fully-vaccinated at AH Vaccination Clinics: 45,174
• Boosters 13,359
• Children age 5-11 1,025

Current Situation

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 rate is 14%. Our current inpatient COVID-19 census is 11, with one death over the past week. The percentage of our COVID-19 patients who are critical care/ICU level patients is about 35% of hospitalized COVID patients.

In the 24 hours preceding 9:00 am on Monday, November 15, 13 new positive cases of COVID were diagnosed at Augusta Health testing sites.

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 5 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 5 and older; a parent or legal guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of those under the age of 18. Booster criteria vary by vaccine, so please be aware of the criteria for the vaccine selected.

Children Age 5-11 years old:

To ensure patient safety and in awareness of the different dosage for the 5-11 year old age group, there are 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.

Please make appointments at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

Booster Eligibility Information:

Two groups of previously vaccinated people can receive third-dose COVID-19 booster shots.

The first group 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.

The criteria for the second group are a bit more complex and are:

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

For those who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine and are:

• Age 18+

When can you get the booster?

• 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

Which booster can you get?

• 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's Community Vaccination Team is providing boosters and vaccinations at schools and to other vulnerable populations in shelters, congregate living communities and apartment neighborhoods. Six clinics are scheduled throughout the community at Fort Defiance High School, Stuarts Draft High School, Hilltop Apartments (formerly Gypsy Hill Place), Plaza Apartments, Elizabeth Miller Gardens, and Dixon Elementary School.

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:

• Tuesday, November 16: Pfizer Clinic FOR AGES 5-11 ONLY from 3 pm to 7 pm.

  This clinic is for those ages 5-11 only. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of the child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

• Wednesday, November 17: Pfizer Clinic for ages 12 and over from 9 am to 12noon.

  For first dose, second dose or booster of Pfizer vaccine; available to those age 12 and older. Please verify criteria for boosters. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

• Wednesday, November 17: Pfizer Clinic for ages 12 and over from 3 pm to 7 pm.

  For first dose, second dose or booster of Pfizer vaccine; available to those age 12 and older. Please verify criteria for boosters. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

• Thursday, November 18: Pfizer Clinic for ages 12 and over from 3 pm to 7 pm.

  For first dose, second dose or booster of Pfizer vaccine; available to those age 12 and older. Please verify criteria for boosters. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com

• Friday, November 19: Moderna Clinic and Johnson & Johnson Clinic from 9 am to 1 pm.

  For first dose, second dose or booster of Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines; available to those age 18 and older. Please verify criteria for boosters and register for the desired vaccine.

The links are 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.