Wednesday, August 25, 2021

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising rapidly across Western North Carolina and the state. By and large, the Individuals who are getting the sickest are unvaccinated. This month’s newsletter provides the latest information on the delta variant, vaccines, and resources you can use to keep you and your community safe.

Five Things

In this month’s news report you’ll find

WNC COVID-19 Trends

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We are currently experiencing the most rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in North Carolina since the pandemic began. In some WNC counties, the number tests coming back positive for COVID-19 is nearing 20%. This surge is being driven by the highly contagious delta variant and is primarily affecting those who are unvaccinated. The highest rate of infection is occurring in adults 18 to 24 years old followed by those 24 to 49⁠—both groups with lower vaccination rates than older adults.

Hospitalizations among people ages 20-49 are also at an all-time high. More than 90% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated, and they are younger and sicker than we’ve seen before.

Vaccination remains the single most powerful tool to protect yourself from COVID-19. Earlier this week, the FDA granted full approval for the Pfizer vaccine after a thorough review of all data confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine in real-world use. FDA approval for the other two vaccines is expected soon. Nearly 200 million Americans have received at least one COVID-19 shot without major complications.

The CDC recommends masks be worn indoors in public in communities with high rates of COVID-19, which is currently most of the U.S. and all of North Carolina. Some WNC businesses and communities, including Buncombe County, have mandated the use of face coverings in public indoors to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the potential for breakthrough infections.

August “Must Reads”

CDC Strengthens Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy. Data show COVID vaccination during pregnancy is safe but contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy is not. In response to mounting evidence, CDC recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women get the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID Vax Doubled Protection for Previously Infected. Do you need the vaccine if you’ve already been infected? Yes! Studies show the vaccine provides twice the protection from COVID-19 reinfection.

FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine. Full approval of the Pfizer vaccine for individuals 16 and older comes after a careful review of 6 months of safety data. Moderna and J&J data are still under review.
 

One More Reason

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Over the last few weeks, infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have risen sharply in every state, including North Carolina, due to the highly contagious delta variant. Across WNC, COVID-19 cases are increasing rapidly, and hospitalizations have hit all-time highs. North Carolina is on track to have the highest number of new daily COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get vaccinated—it’s now.
 

Severe illness and death from COVID-19 is now preventable with vaccination. If that isn’t reason enough, here are five more:

• The delta variant is circulating widely and 4X more contagious than the original virus. If you are unvaccinated, you are now more likely to contract COVID-19 and become severely ill from it.

• Long COVID is debilitating and may affect up to 30% of adults and children who contract COVID-19, even those who initially had mild or no symptoms. Vaccines greatly reduce your risk.

• Children under 12 are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. The best way you can protect them and yourself is to get vaccinated and encourage those around you to do the same.

• Peace of mind is a common side effect of vaccination. You won’t have to worry about getting seriously ill or dying from COVID should you be exposed (and odds are, you will be exposed).

• Extra summer cash, up to $100, is available at some locations for folks receiving their first dose; drivers who help others get to their first dose appointment are eligible for a $25 cash card.

Still not sure? Check out these reasons from more than 140 healthcare providers across our region. One of them may be yours!

Time for a Boost?

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There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about COVID-19 booster shots. You may be wondering if you need a booster and when. Last week, the U.S. Surgeon General announced plans to make booster shots available beginning September 20 for adults who are at least 8 months past their second dose. Recent CDC data show vaccine immunity decreases over time, which is common with many vaccines.

Here’s the data behind the decision:

• Vaccines provide strong protection against severe COVID illness. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing hospitalization for at least 6 months.

• Vaccine immunity from mild to moderate COVID illness wanes. While effectiveness against hospitalization has remained stable, effectiveness against milder infections declines over time.

• Delta is a doozy. Especially for those who are at risk for severe illness. Data on nursing home residents show vaccine protection declined from 75% to 53% with the delta variant now circulating.

While you can’t get a booster yet, you may want to get one 8 months after completing your vaccine series. For example, if you got your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on April 1, you could be eligible for a booster as early as December 1.

You may need a third dose, and can get one now, if you are one of the 3% of Americans who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems. These individuals may not have the same level of immunity after vaccination as people with healthy immune systems. Read the CDC’s recommendations.

COVID-19 Community Resources

Prevention, Treatment & Vaccination

• Breakthrough Infections Do Not Mean COVID Vaccines Are Failing. Reinfection is less likely but expected with all vaccines; however, COVID-19 vaccines are very effective against severe illness
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information with vaccine facts, a vaccine locator, transportation assistance, and other vaccination resources
• Dear Pandemic. Get answers to common COVID-19 prevention and vaccine questions from a volunteer team of female scientists and healthcare providers
• Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine. CDC guidance on how to be prepared before, during, and after your vaccine appointment
• Greater Than COVID. Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 vaccines in short video interviews with African American, Black, and Latinx doctors and healthcare workers
• Myths and Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines. Evidence-based facts from the CDC help you separate fact from fiction about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines
• Monoclonal Antibody Treatment can reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and decrease the likelihood of hospitalization if given early; if you test positive and are at high risk for severe illness, use this treatment locator or ask your healthcare provider for a referral to MAHEC
• Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. The CDC now recommends all people wear face masks indoors in areas where the delta variant is circulating widely including North Carolina
• When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated. How to protect yourself and others during the current delta variant surge

Children’s Health

• COVID-19 Vaccine for Preteens and Teens. This CDC fact sheet answers common questions and provides tips for preparing your child before, during and after vaccination
• Is Delta Also More Severe in Kids? This MedPage Today article includes data on the higher numbers of children being infected with the delta variant other potential impacts
• Kids Can’t Get COVID-19 Vaccines Yet. But We Do Have Ways to Protect Them. Create layers of protection with your own vaccination, wearing masks, social distancing, and other proven measures
• Teen Vax Facts. This new website is geared toward teens and their parents and provides evidence-based information and resources on COVID-19 vaccination
• This is Really Scary. Kids Struggle With Long Covid. Lingering physical and mental symptoms are affecting children too, including those with only mild or no symptoms during active infection
• Youth Public Health Advisor Opportunity. Opportunity for youth to learn leadership skills in public health, health equity, and health issues affecting adolescents and young adults

Women’s Health & Fertility

• Alarming Number of Pregnant Women Admitted to Alabama ICUs. Recent trends point to just how important it is for pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19
• Can Women Who Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding or Want to Become Pregnant Be Vaccinated? Information and recommendations from leading women’s healthcare providers
• CDC Strongly Recommends COVID Vaccine in Pregnancy. New data show all three vaccines to be safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding. This updated CDC guidance explains COVID-19 risks during and after pregnancy and the latest data on vaccine safety and efficacy
• New Study Reveals Covid Vaccine Does Not Cause Female Sterility (ASRM) a recent study found no difference in implantation rates for women who were vaccinated, infected, or COVID negative
• Study Shows mRNA Vaccines Do Not Decrease Sperm Count. Researchers at the University of Miami conducted a study to assess men’s fertility after vaccination and found no negative effects

Pandemic Relief

• Buncombe County Residents may be eligible for assistance with rent, utilities, food, medical coverage, child care and other needs; call (828) 250-5500 for more information
• HOPE Program. Rent and utility assistance may be available to North Carolina renters and their landlords; apply online or call (888) 927-5467 for more information
• Lifeline National Verifier is a temporary federal program that can help lower the monthly cost of your phone and/or internet service

WNC Vaccine Locations (many offering walk-in service)

• Vaccine Locator (NCDHHS) find and make appointments with local vaccine providers
• Homebound Vaccine Provider Locator (NCDHHS, searchable by county)
• CVS, Ingles, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Target pharmacies
• Buncombe County Health Department at 40 Coxe Avenue (walk-ins welcome)
• Ride United NC call 1-844-771-RIDE to schedule free roundtrip rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments; free public transit to vaccine sites is also available

Online Education

Ask The Doc | Pregnancy, Fertility, and COVID-19 Vaccines | WakeMed & Wake County
Thursday, August 26, at 7 pm on Facebook Live and YouTube

2021 Asheville African American Health Symposium Preview | MAHEC
Friday, September 10, 12:00 to 1:00 pm

Bystander/Anti-Harrassment Training | Hollaback
Multiple dates

Cafecito: COVID-19 Vaccines for Teens and Adults | NC Department of Health & Human Services
Recorded Spanish-language webinar about COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccines and Young Adults | NC Department of Health & Human Services
FB Live recording

Cafecito: COVID-19 Vaccines for Teens and Adults | NC Department of Health & Human Services
Spanish-language conversation with state public health official about COVID-19 and vaccines

EDI Courses - Fall Semester | Lenoir-Rhyne University
Multiple dates from September through November

Let's Talk- Back to School Immunizations | Buncombe County Health & Human Services
FB Live recording in English and Spanish

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