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(August 27, 2021 11:53 AM)  The Jackson County Health Department has released its weekly update:

FDA APPROVAL OF PFIZER VACCINE:  On August 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older.  Previously, this vaccine was being used under an emergency use authorization (EUA) and still has this status for 12 to 15-year-olds.  It has been over 9 months since the vaccine was authorized under the EUA and the additional data compiled from the clinical trials, as well as information collected from its use across the country, was reviewed during the approval process.  The findings show the vaccine to be safe and effective.  We hope the approval will give those who have had questions and concerns about the vaccine more confidence in its safety and that they will choose to be vaccinated.

SCHOOLS:  Many schools are starting the fall term this week.  The health department has added a page of School and Parent Resources to our webpage to help guide and answer questions about operating safely, quarantine after exposure, what is required by law, and what is recommended.  We will be working with schools on actions to keep kids safe and in the classroom when cases and exposures are identified.  Children wearing masks in schools has been recommended by the CDC, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Jackson County Health Department, Michigan Association of Public Health Physicians, and the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians.  Parents can have a positive impact on the health of our school systems by ensuring their children have and wear masks during the school day.

THIRD DOSE OF VACCINE:  A third dose of vaccine has been approved for a specific and limited group of people.  This is different than a booster shot which will be for everyone who received a vaccine.  The discussion about boosters has begun at the federal level, and we expect more details next month,  Currently, we are providing a 3rd dose to individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.  See who is currently eligible for a 3rd dose of vaccine for more details.  Those in this category are at a higher risk of serious and prolonged illness if they are infected with the COVID virus.  In addition, they don’t always develop the same amount of protective antibodies after vaccination.  A 3rd dose is currently authorized only for those who meet the eligibility criteria and received either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines at least 28 days ago.  3rd dose vaccine appointments are available at the health department and can be scheduled by calling 517-788-4465.

DELTA VARIANT:  Sequencing of tests submitted to the Michigan Bureau of Laboratories is showing the Delta variant to be the most common variant of concern in Michigan.  Our best protection against this highly contagious strain is to get vaccinated, maintain social distance in public settings, and wear a mask indoors.  We realize none of this is new, but that does not make these actions any less effective or important for reducing the risk of illness and minimizing the spread within our community.  As cases rise around the country, it is imperative to take precautions. 

LOCAL MONITORING:  The CDC and the State of Michigan both provide a variety of charts, graphs, and maps that show the trend in cases at the national, state, and county level.  Currently, most areas in the county fall into the classification of having a high level of community transmission.  Checking these resources, and the local websites in the area you will be traveling to, can help you assess risk, find out what requirements and restrictions are in place, and assist with making decisions about what are safe and unsafe activities.

Check out the Jackson County Health Department webpage for the latest COVID information including the daily number of cases in the county.  It is updated Monday-Friday by 12 noon.  On Mondays, a county map is uploaded to show areas where COVID cases have increased throughout the county.  An Epicurve graph provides some historical data and shows the peaks and lulls of COVID infections in Jackson County.

VACCINE OPPORTUNITIES:  Vaccine opportunities in the Jackson County area and location information can be found on the VaccineFinder webpage. Minors aged 12–17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine with parent permission.   Call ahead to find out what the requirements for third vaccines are. 

Homebound individuals who are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact Disability Connections at (517) 998-3084, Region 2 Area on Aging at (517) 592-1976 or the Jackson County Department on Aging at (517) 788-4364.   

JCHD UPDATES: Clinics are open for in-person services. Most clinics require an appointment, so please check the website or call ahead to verify if you need an appointment for the service you are seeking.

Masks are required regardless of vaccination status in small office areas and exam rooms. (Please remember to bring your own or you will be provided with one.)

This is done in order to protect our immunocompromised clients such as children or other vulnerable populations who may be at high risk of infection.

If you still need your COVID-19 vaccine, you can come to the immunization clinic and get your vaccine of choice! Call and make an appointment at (517) 768-4468.

If you are EXPERIENCING ANY UPPER RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (COUGH, DIFFICULTY BREATHING, ETC) OR FEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU RESCHEDULE ANY APPOINTMENT YOU HAVE scheduled.  If necessary, you may want to schedule an appointment with your physician or call 911, if it becomes life-threatening.

Data:  Jackson County Health Department reports the following data as of August 23, 2021. This information is also available on the Michigan Vaccine Dashboard which is updated on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays each week by 3:00 p.m. Data now reflects the addition of the 12-15-year-olds. 

Number of Doses  

Administered to  

Jackson County  

Residents  

Percent of Jackson County

Residents over the age of

12 vaccinated to date  

Number of  

Jackson Residents who have  

completed

their 1stvaccination  

Number of Jackson County Residents who have completed their vaccination series (2 for Moderna / Pfizer and

1 for Johnson &  

Johnson  

140,362 57.1% Initial Dose 

52.6% Completed Dose  

77,914 71,734

 

COVID case numbers in Jackson County compared to the State of Michigan*: 

  

Category   Jackson County   State of Michigan  
COVID-19 Total Confirmed Cases 15,612 937,720
COVID-19 Weekly New Cases per 100,000 171 136
COVID-19 7-Day Daily Case Average 39 1,938
COVID-19 Recovered*** Cases 14,618 878,031 (as of 8/20/2021)
COVID-19 Total Deaths 295 20,161
COVID-19 7-Day Positivity Rate 10.5%  8.6% 

*Data as of August 25, 2021

***Recovered = alive 30 days after onset date (if onset date is missing, then referral date). This calculation is using the Patient Status variable to distinguish alive vs deceased.  

Additional Resources:  

Jackson County Health Department Webpage 

State of Michigan Vaccination and Prioritization Strategy https://www.mistartmap.info/about 

Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Information Page 

JCHD COVID Information phone line – (517) 817-4469 

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