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Pediatrician: no age group is spared by COVID
With an in-person return to school coinciding with a wave of COVID-19 fueled by the delta variant, the stakes are high for children, many of whom are not yet eligible for vaccinations. (September 9)
PA
FISHERSVILLE – In the 24 hours leading up to 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 9, 112 new positive cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed through Augusta Health testing sites, according to a hospital system update.
This is the second highest positive daily total during the pandemic; the highest daily total was 118 on August 29.
The current count of COVID-19 hospital patients is 67 and is increasing daily in the hospital. Augusta Health predicts that the local push will continue until the end of September and reach a census of more than 100 COVID-19 hospital patients.
Typically, around 20% of Augusta Health’s COVID-19 patients are ICU / ICU level patients. Very ill and high acuity patients like COVID-19 patients need more resources – both technical and personnel – to provide the care they need.
Augusta Health’s predictive models and projections are also being used to create a detailed emergency plan to deal with the increase in positive cases and hospital admissions of COVID-19 patients. A dedicated team focuses on planning for surges and adapts to day-to-day and even time.
Surge Plan
Some of the measures recently taken under the Surge plan:
- Temporary closure of facilities or services so that staff and space can be reassigned.
- The Skilled Nursing Floor and other units have been temporarily closed and converted for COVID care.
- The number of intensive care beds has been increased.
- Surgeries have been reduced to 40-50% of usual volume and staff and resources have been redeployed. All necessary surgeries are performed and medical staff are consulted to prioritize other surgeries.
“Urgent situation”
A Base X tent that was erected outside the emergency department and access to a temporary caravan from the morgue. To date, they have not been used.
“This is an urgent situation that is fluid and dynamic,” Augusta Health said.
“Many in the community ask how they can help. The answer is: please vaccinate, wear masks indoors even if you are vaccinated, wash your hands frequently and stay socially distant from others when possible to help. to slow the spread and reduce splashing, ”the hospital said. pleaded.
COVID vaccinations remain the most effective and long-lasting way to prevent COVID infections in our community, and the best defense against serious illness and death.
Current count of vaccination doses at Augusta Health:
Total doses administered in Augusta Health vaccination clinics: 85,157
Community member fully vaccinated in HA vaccination clinics: 43,623
Boosters for immunocompromised: 1,468
Eligibility for vaccination
Augusta Health immunizes all people 12 years of age and older who live, work or attend school in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are licensed for people 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons 12 years of age and older; a parent or guardian must be present to consent to the vaccination of persons under 18 years of age.
At this time, COVID-19 third dose booster shots are only available for:
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (no proof of a medical problem is required at this time); and that
- Have already received two doses of Pfizer vaccine or Moderna vaccine; and that
- They received their second dose of the vaccine more than 28 days ago.
Booster shots for others have been discussed for administration on or around September 20; however, this dosage has not yet been recommended by the FDA or approved by the CDC. Until these recommendations and approvals are given, appointments cannot be scheduled.
Vaccination
Augusta Health primary care offices
Vaccinations against COVID-19 continue at all primary care offices of Augusta Medical Group. Patients who prefer to receive a vaccination from their personal physician should contact their physician’s office to be scheduled in the next available vaccination appointment block.
Community clinics
Tuesday September 14: Blue Ridge Community College Houff Student Center. The clinic will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reception without appointment until 1 p.m.
This is a dual Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson clinic. Anyone 12 years of age and over can receive the Pfizer vaccine; Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine available to people 18 years of age and over and administered if available. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
Community organizations wishing to partner with Augusta Health for an immunization clinic can contact [email protected] for more information on the requirements.
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Mass vaccination clinics on campus
Appointments are preferred for clinics. Walk-ins are welcome.
Visit vaccinate.augustahealth.com to view the links and make an appointment. Information about new clinics, links and criteria for each link, are posted as they become available. Clinics on campus for the rest of the week are:
Thursday September 9: After school / after work clinic hours for those who cannot come during the day. The clinic will operate from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reception without appointment until 6 p.m.
This is a dual Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson clinic. Anyone 12 years of age and over can receive the Pfizer vaccine; Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine available for people 18 years of age and over and given if available. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
Friday September 10: Pfizer / Moderna Third Dose Booster Clinic: For people who are moderately and severely immunocompromised. The clinic will operate from 8 a.m. to noon.
At least 28 days must have passed since the second dose of vaccine. Please bring a vaccination card or previous vaccination record. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
Tuesday September 14: Pfizer / Moderna Third Dose Booster Clinic: For people who are moderately and severely immunocompromised. The clinic will operate from 8 a.m. to noon.
At least 28 days must have passed since the second dose of vaccine. Please bring a vaccination card or previous vaccination record. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
Wednesday September 15: After school / after work clinic hours for those unable to come during the day. The clinic will operate from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reception without appointment until 6 p.m.
This is a dual Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson clinic. Anyone 12 years of age and over can receive the Pfizer vaccine; Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine available to people 18 years of age and over and administered if available. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
Thursday September 16: After school / after work clinic hours for those who cannot come during the day. The clinic will operate from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reception without appointment until 6 p.m.
This is a dual Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson clinic. Anyone 12 years of age and over can receive the Pfizer vaccine; Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine available for people 18 years of age and over and given if available. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
Friday September 17th: Pfizer / Moderna Third Dose Booster Clinic: For people with moderate and severe immunosuppression. The clinic will operate from 8 a.m. to noon.
At least 28 days must have passed since the second dose of vaccine. Please bring a vaccination card or previous vaccination record. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
Immunization call center
Not everyone has access to the Internet. Those who need help planning should call the Augusta Health immunization call center at 540-332-5122. The call center is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions and help schedule immunization appointments.
Homebound patients are vaccinated as part of a pilot program with Central Shenandoah EMS. Contact the immunization call center for more information.
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Monique Calello (she) is The News Leader health journalist. Email: [email protected]. Twitter @moniquecalello.
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