Dear UMW Community,
This week the COVID-19 community level is low, as reported on the CDC tracker. Based on this level of transmission, the CDC’s recommended action is to “Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.”
If you missed this week’s vaccine clinic hosted by Giant Pharmacy, save-the-date for upcoming vaccine clinics on Tuesday, October 18 and Thursday, November 17. In addition to vaccines and boosters for COVID-19, vaccines for flu, shingles and tetanus will also be available, typically at no cost with insurance. Giant Pharmacy does not have monkeypox vaccines available at this time.
If you are at risk for contracting monkeypox, visit VDH’s prevention and vaccination website to read more about the vaccines available, who is eligible for the vaccine, and other prevention tips. The highest risk activity at present is sex with multiple or anonymous partners. If you meet these criteria or suspect you have monkeypox, contact your health care provider and connect with the Rappahannock Area Health District for vaccine availability. More information is available from the CDC monkeypox transmission website.
For COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, find out if you are up-to-date on the CDC website. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are based on your age, the vaccine you first received, and time since last dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines. You may be eligible for a different product for a booster than what you received for the primary series. An updated (bivalent) booster is now available. Learn more about the options for mixing COVID-19 vaccine products from the CDC.
Additional updates and frequently asked questions continue to be posted to the UMW website.
Take care,
UMW’s Public Health Advisory Working Group