By Jared Putnam
Staff Writer
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Image by iXimus from Pixabay
Clay County Health Department reported 42 active cases of the virus as of Monday, down from 60 a week earlier. Hospitalizations remained at 14 — a number that Clay County has stayed near throughout the recent surge fueled by the Delta variant. The health department also reported on Sept. 24 the county's 36th death due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
North Carolinians at high risk for serious illness or exposure who have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech (COMINARTY) vaccine for six months or more can now receive a COVID-19 booster shot. People who are 65 years or older, 18 years or older with underlying medical conditions, or those work in a high-risk setting like healthcare workers, teachers and childcare providers or food workers are eligible in North Carolina.
"Pfizer boosters are now authorized for certain groups of individuals to extend the protection of vaccines against severe illness," said Mandy K. Cohen, Secretary of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). "If you are eligible, get your booster. If you aren’t vaccinated yet, don’t wait. The COVID-19 virus is more contagious than ever and we are seeing it attack the unvaccinated and make them very sick at an alarming rate."
Data collected from hospitals in 20 U.S. cities indicates that protection against hospitalization wanes more quickly with Pfizer's and Johnson & Johnson's vaccines than that generated by Moderna's vaccine. After four months, Moderna's vaccine remained 92 percent effective at preventing hospitalization, while Pfizer's was 77 percent effective and J&J's was 68 percent.
Union General hospital in Blairsville, Ga., reported 31 COVID-19 inpatients as of Sept. 24 — down from 41 on Sept. 14. The hospital, which is licensed for 45 beds, remained over capacity with 53 total inpatients, including those hospitalized with non-COVID-related illnesses.
With many hospitals still stretched beyond normal capacity in spite of declining COVID-19 case numbers, health officials are reminding the public about a different threat that could further crowd facilities: the flu.
"As flu season begins, we all need to do what we can to be as healthy as possible," said Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, NCDHHS State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer. "Getting vaccinated can prevent you from getting ill and keep you from needing a hospital bed.”
Clay County Health Department will begin issuing flu vaccines this Friday, Oct. 1, for ages 6 months and up. High-dose vaccines are available for individuals 65 and up. No appointment is necessary.
To schedule a COVID-19 vaccination, call the Clay County Health Department at 828-389-8052.