October 27, 2021
COVID-19 Updates from Skagit County
Local COVID-19 Case, Hospital & Vaccine Data
Skagit has a total of 11,022 cases; an increase of 490 new cases since last Wednesday; Hospitalizations are at 623 total (increased by 23 since Wednesday), and 110 deaths (increased by 2).
Skagit currently has a case rate of 571.1 per 100k over the last 14 days and a hospitalization rate of 10.7 COVID patients per 100k over the last seven days. Skagit County Public Health’s Health Officer published a statement on Monday about our current high case rate, as well as guidance for the holidays. To read his full statement: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/Home/press/102521.htm
A total of 179,776 doses have been administered in Skagit County. We are now at 74.0% partially vaccinated amongst our population 12 years and older, and 68.1% fully vaccinated amongst Skagitonians 12 and older.
Vaccine Boosters now Available
Booster doses are available—by appointment only—for eligible individuals. At least six months after completing the primary Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series, the following groups of people are eligible for a booster dose:
At least two months after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (J&J), it is recommended that everyone 18 and older receive a booster dose.
According to the FDA and CDC, studies found “mixing and matching” boosters is safe and effective. This means your booster shot does not have to be the same COVID-19 vaccine type your primary vaccination was. For example, someone who received the J&J vaccine can receive a booster dose of J&J, Pfizer, or Moderna. Likewise, someone who received two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) can receive a Moderna, Pfizer, or J&J booster.
Appointments are limited at this time. Please check on Mondays for newly added appointments or call the Hotline for assistance: 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #.
To make an appointment for a Booster, go to: https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov/. Search for "Skagit County Public Health" under Name of Location.
Update on Vaccine for Children 5-11
An independent panel of vaccine experts met on Tuesday to consider whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should grant emergency authorization to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children 5 to 11 years old. The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted 17-0, with one abstention, to recommend the agency authorize the vaccine.
A formal decision by the FDA is expected in the coming days, and a CDC advisory panel is scheduled to meet November 2nd and 3rd to recommend how the vaccines should be used. From there, the CDC’s Director, Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, and the WA Department of Health will need to weigh in before vaccines will be available in Washington State.
Skagit Fairgrounds - Testing Information
REMINDER: The Skagit Fairgrounds is not a good testing option for those seeking proof of vaccination to attend an event or for travel.
Free antigen testing at the Skagit Fairgrounds is now limited to individuals who live, work, or go to school in Skagit County. Those coming for testing must be 5 years or older and must (a) be currently symptomatic or (b) have had recent exposure to COVID-19. Please expect long wait times.
For a list of other testing providers in Skagit County, go to: www.skagitcounty.net/coronavirus.
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