WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.

Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.

The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.

“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”

There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.

Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.

As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.

The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.

“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.

She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.

About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.

And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.

Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.

“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.

But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.

Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634854349255.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses." />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qoqia5YkwHc?start=24501" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.___

🎥 COVID-19 vaccine: CDC panel backs expanded booster rollout

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.

The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.

The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.

Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.

For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.

The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.

FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.

Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.

The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.

Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.

“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.

FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.

Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.

FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.

“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.

In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.

On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rou7tf4vaUU?start=414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.___

🎥 FDA answers questions after approval to mix COVID vaccines

Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.

Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.

Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.

One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country

“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.

“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.

Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.

If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: We and <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> officially submitted our request to <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine in children 5 to &lt;12. <a href="https://t.co/72Z2HXlkOx">pic.twitter.com/72Z2HXlkOx</a>&mdash; Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1446082946335715334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.___

Pfizer asks US to allow COVID shots for kids ages 5 to 11

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19 stood on the verge of a major new phase as government advisers Thursday recommended booster doses of Pfizer’s vaccine for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans — despite doubts the extra shots will do much to slow the pandemic.

Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said boosters should be offered to people 65 and older, nursing home residents and those ages 50 to 64 who have risky underlying health problems. The extra dose would be given once they are at least six months past their last Pfizer shot.

Deciding who else might get one was far tougher. While there is little evidence that younger people are in danger of waning immunity, the panel offered the option of a booster for those 18 to 49 who have chronic health problems and want one.

But the advisers refused to go further and open boosters to otherwise healthy front-line health care workers who aren’t at risk of severe illness but want to avoid even a mild infection.

“We might as well just say give it to everyone 18 and older. We have a very effective vaccine and it’s like saying, ‘It’s not working.’ It is working,” said Dr. Pablo Sanchez of Ohio State University, who helped block the broadest booster option.

Still, getting the unvaccinated their first shots remains the top priority, and the panel wrestled with whether the booster debate was distracting from that goal.

All three of the COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. still are highly protective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, even amid the spread of the extra-contagious delta variant. But only about 182 million Americans are fully vaccinated, just 55% of the population.

“We can give boosters to people, but that’s not really the answer to this pandemic,” said Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University. “Hospitals are full because people are not vaccinated. We are declining care to people who deserve care because we are full of unvaccinated COVID-positive patients.”

Thursday’s decision represented a dramatic scaling back of the Biden administration plan, announced last month, to dispense boosters to nearly everyone to shore up their protection. Late Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration, like the CDC, signed off on Pfizer boosters for a much more targeted slice of the American population than the White House envisioned.

It falls to the CDC to set final U.S. policy on who qualifies for the extra shot. The CDC usually follows its advisers’ recommendations. A final decision from the agency was expected later Thursday.

The booster plan marks an important shift in the nation’s vaccination drive. Britain and Israel are already giving a third round of shots over strong objections from the World Health Organization that poor countries don’t have enough for their initial doses.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky opened Thursday’s meeting by stressing that vaccinating the unvaccinated remains the top goal “here in America and around the world.”

Walensky acknowledged that the data on who really needs a booster right away “are not perfect.” “Yet collectively they form a picture for us,” she said, “and they are what we have in this moment to make a decision about the next stage in this pandemic.”

The CDC panel stressed its recommendations will be changed if new evidence shows more people need a booster.

The CDC advisers expressed concern over the millions more Americans who received Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson shots early in the vaccine rollout. The government still hasn’t considered boosters for those brands and has no data on whether it’s safe or effective to mix-and-match and give those people a Pfizer shot.

“I just don’t understand how later this afternoon we can say to people 65 and older you’re at risk for severe illness and death but only half of you can protect yourselves right now,” said Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University.

About 26 million Americans got their last Pfizer dose at least six months ago, about half of whom are 65 or older. It’s not clear how many more would meet the CDC panel’s initial booster qualifications.

CDC data shows the vaccines still offer strong protection for all ages, but there is a slight drop among the oldest adults. And immunity against milder infection appears to be waning months after people’s initial immunization.

For most people, if you’re not in a group recommended for a booster, “it’s really because we think you’re well-protected,” said Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “This isn’t about who deserves a booster, but who needs a booster.”

Among people who stand to benefit from a booster, there are few risks, the CDC concluded. Serious side effects from the first two Pfizer doses are exceedingly rare, including heart inflammation that sometimes occurs in younger men. Data from Israel, which has given nearly 3 million people — mostly 60 and older — a third Pfizer dose, has uncovered no red flags.

The panelists also wrestled with how to even tell when a booster is needed. While an extra dose revs up numbers of virus-fighting antibodies, those naturally wane over time and no one knows how long the antibody boost from a third Pfizer dose will last -- or how much protection it really adds, since the immune system also forms additional defenses after vaccination.

The U.S. has already authorized third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients. Other Americans, healthy or not, have managed to get boosters, in some cases simply by asking.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19 stood on the verge of a major new phase as government advisers Thursday recommended booster doses of Pfizer’s vaccine for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans — despite doubts the extra shots will do much to slow the pandemic.Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said boosters should be offered to people 65 and older, nursing home residents and those ages 50 to 64 who have risky underlying health problems. The extra dose would be given once they are at least six months past their last Pfizer shot.Deciding who else might get one was far tougher. While there is little evidence that younger people are in danger of waning immunity, the panel offered the option of a booster for those 18 to 49 who have chronic health problems and want one.But the advisers refused to go further and open boosters to otherwise healthy front-line health care workers who aren’t at risk of severe illness but want to avoid even a mild infection.“We might as well just say give it to everyone 18 and older. We have a very effective vaccine and it’s like saying, ‘It’s not working.’ It is working,” said Dr. Pablo Sanchez of Ohio State University, who helped block the broadest booster option.Still, getting the unvaccinated their first shots remains the top priority, and the panel wrestled with whether the booster debate was distracting from that goal.All three of the COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. still are highly protective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, even amid the spread of the extra-contagious delta variant. But only about 182 million Americans are fully vaccinated, just 55% of the population.“We can give boosters to people, but that’s not really the answer to this pandemic,” said Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University. “Hospitals are full because people are not vaccinated. We are declining care to people who deserve care because we are full of unvaccinated COVID-positive patients.”Thursday’s decision represented a dramatic scaling back of the Biden administration plan, announced last month, to dispense boosters to nearly everyone to shore up their protection. Late Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration, like the CDC, signed off on Pfizer boosters for a much more targeted slice of the American population than the White House envisioned.It falls to the CDC to set final U.S. policy on who qualifies for the extra shot. The CDC usually follows its advisers’ recommendations. A final decision from the agency was expected later Thursday.The booster plan marks an important shift in the nation’s vaccination drive. Britain and Israel are already giving a third round of shots over strong objections from the World Health Organization that poor countries don’t have enough for their initial doses.CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky opened Thursday’s meeting by stressing that vaccinating the unvaccinated remains the top goal “here in America and around the world.”Walensky acknowledged that the data on who really needs a booster right away “are not perfect.” “Yet collectively they form a picture for us,” she said, “and they are what we have in this moment to make a decision about the next stage in this pandemic.”The CDC panel stressed its recommendations will be changed if new evidence shows more people need a booster.The CDC advisers expressed concern over the millions more Americans who received Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson shots early in the vaccine rollout. The government still hasn’t considered boosters for those brands and has no data on whether it’s safe or effective to mix-and-match and give those people a Pfizer shot.“I just don’t understand how later this afternoon we can say to people 65 and older you’re at risk for severe illness and death but only half of you can protect yourselves right now,” said Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University.About 26 million Americans got their last Pfizer dose at least six months ago, about half of whom are 65 or older. It’s not clear how many more would meet the CDC panel’s initial booster qualifications.CDC data shows the vaccines still offer strong protection for all ages, but there is a slight drop among the oldest adults. And immunity against milder infection appears to be waning months after people’s initial immunization.For most people, if you’re not in a group recommended for a booster, “it’s really because we think you’re well-protected,” said Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “This isn’t about who deserves a booster, but who needs a booster.”Among people who stand to benefit from a booster, there are few risks, the CDC concluded. Serious side effects from the first two Pfizer doses are exceedingly rare, including heart inflammation that sometimes occurs in younger men. Data from Israel, which has given nearly 3 million people — mostly 60 and older — a third Pfizer dose, has uncovered no red flags.The panelists also wrestled with how to even tell when a booster is needed. While an extra dose revs up numbers of virus-fighting antibodies, those naturally wane over time and no one knows how long the antibody boost from a third Pfizer dose will last -- or how much protection it really adds, since the immune system also forms additional defenses after vaccination.The U.S. has already authorized third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients. Other Americans, healthy or not, have managed to get boosters, in some cases simply by asking.___

Despite concern, US sets stage for COVID booster shots 


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Health Department data analyst D.J. Gering notes that the number experts are saying we'll need for herd immunity has changed from earlier in the pandemic.

"During the Alpha variant, the original COVID variant, it was suspected to be around 60%," Gering said Wednesday. That included, also, people who have been unfortunate enough to be infected with COVID-19. I do believe that rate is higher now. From most research I've read, that rate is probably around 80%."

According to Wednesday numbers from the county dashboard, 9,146 people have had COVID-19 and 29,190 have had at least one dose of vaccine. If you add those two numbers together, you get 38,336 of 62,450, or 61.4%. 

"If you look at some of the nationwide trends, there are some large metropolitan areas that look like right now, they may have peaked," Gering said. "They are now on the downward trend and that's probably due to high infection rates plus the high vaccination rates. Large metro areas tend to have a higher vaccination rate. As soon as you get into more rural areas, it doesn't look like they've peaked yet."

"We're not there yet to the point where we'll peak," Gering said. "It's possible near the end of September we can reevaluate that. We may be peaking around the end of September, but it may go into October, as well."

An important X factor is the Kansas State Fair. There is no way to compare to last year as far as rate of spread, because the event didn't happen, so it remains to be seen what impact that could have.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612523117297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Health Department data analyst D.J. Gering notes that the number experts are saying we'll need for herd immunity has changed from earlier in the pandemic."During the Alpha variant, the original COVID variant, it was suspected to be around 60%," Gering said Wednesday. That included, also, people who have been unfortunate enough to be infected with COVID-19. I do believe that rate is higher now. From most research I've read, that rate is probably around 80%."According to Wednesday numbers from the county dashboard, 9,146 people have had COVID-19 and 29,190 have had at least one dose of vaccine. If you add those two numbers together, you get 38,336 of 62,450, or 61.4%. "If you look at some of the nationwide trends, there are some large metropolitan areas that look like right now, they may have peaked," Gering said. "They are now on the downward trend and that's probably due to high infection rates plus the high vaccination rates. Large metro areas tend to have a higher vaccination rate. As soon as you get into more rural areas, it doesn't look like they've peaked yet."Reno County data does provide some hope."We're not there yet to the point where we'll peak," Gering said. "It's possible near the end of September we can reevaluate that. We may be peaking around the end of September, but it may go into October, as well."An important X factor is the Kansas State Fair. There is no way to compare to last year as far as rate of spread, because the event didn't happen, so it remains to be seen what impact that could have.

Gering: Peak could come this fall

RENO COUNTY- Reno County Commission Chair Ron Hirst signed a local disaster emergency proclamation on Wednesday, which will remain in effect for seven days. 

The Reno County Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to extend it at next Tuesday’s meeting. The previous disaster declaration expired on June 30, at a time when Reno County COVID-19 cases were down to nine. With active cases back up over 600 this week, the disaster declaration will allow Reno County to procure resources from the state if needed.&nbsp;

A local disaster proclamation does NOT implement a mask mandate or any other restrictions on the community.&nbsp;There are currently 84 other Kansas counties that have an active disaster declaration in place.

A state of local disaster emergency may be declared by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners upon finding that a disaster has occurred, or the threat of one is imminent. The local disaster declaration shall activate the response and recovery aspects of the county’s Emergency Operations Plan. By declaring a local disaster, the county can request assistance from the state once local resources and contracts have been expended. This will ensure easier procurement of resources.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reno County has received pharmaceuticals, ventilators, testing supplies, personal protective equipment, non-congregate sheltering, and ventilators from the State.

If your organization is in need of personal protective equipment, please fill out and email the online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=139" target="_blank">https://www.renogov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=139</a>, or call 620-694-2793 for additional information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602175085989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY- Reno County Commission Chair Ron Hirst signed a local disaster emergency proclamation on Wednesday, which will remain in effect for seven days. The Reno County Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to extend it at next Tuesday’s meeting. The previous disaster declaration expired on June 30, at a time when Reno County COVID-19 cases were down to nine. With active cases back up over 600 this week, the disaster declaration will allow Reno County to procure resources from the state if needed.&nbsp;A local disaster proclamation does NOT implement a mask mandate or any other restrictions on the community.&nbsp;There are currently 84 other Kansas counties that have an active disaster declaration in place.A state of local disaster emergency may be declared by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners upon finding that a disaster has occurred, or the threat of one is imminent. The local disaster declaration shall activate the response and recovery aspects of the county’s Emergency Operations Plan. By declaring a local disaster, the county can request assistance from the state once local resources and contracts have been expended. This will ensure easier procurement of resources.Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reno County has received pharmaceuticals, ventilators, testing supplies, personal protective equipment, non-congregate sheltering, and ventilators from the State.If your organization is in need of personal protective equipment, please fill out and email the online form at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=139" target="_blank">https://www.renogov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=139</a>, or call 620-694-2793 for additional information.

Reno County Commissioner Signs New Local Disaster Emergency Proclamation

RENO COUNTY&nbsp;-&nbsp;Along with increased COVID cases in Reno County, there has been additional demand for testing.&nbsp;There are several local testing options available including one that will be located at the Kansas State Fair starting Friday.

The Hutchinson Clinic, Prairie Star Health Center, Xpress Wellness Urgent Care, and the Little Clinic are all performing COVID testing. Call or visit their websites for appointment information. Free testing is also available from WellHealth at the Simply Good Overstocks location in South Hutchinson. Appointments can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gogettested.com/" target="_blank">www.gogettested.com</a>.

During the Kansas State Fair, September 10 -19, KDHE will be located at 9 Wheat State Lane, just outside of the Meadowlark Building. They will be administering COVID testing, along with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To combat the spread of COVID, mask wearing, hand sanitizing, and social distancing are still highly recommended. To view current COVID active cases, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.renogov.org/" target="_blank">www.renogov.org</a>&nbsp;and click on the COVID-19 Dashboard link.

WellHealth at&nbsp;Simply Good Overstocks, South Hutchinson:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gogettested.com/" target="_blank">www.gogettested.com</a>

KDHE at the Fair: outside of the Meadowlark Building

September 10 to 19, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Waldron Location- Monday-Friday:&nbsp; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;South Hutchinson Location- Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care: 620-615-7197

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Little Clinic: 620-869-1669

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626282501238.jpeg" alt="covid white and red.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>covid white and red.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY&nbsp;-&nbsp;Along with increased COVID cases in Reno County, there has been additional demand for testing.&nbsp;There are several local testing options available including one that will be located at the Kansas State Fair starting Friday.The Hutchinson Clinic, Prairie Star Health Center, Xpress Wellness Urgent Care, and the Little Clinic are all performing COVID testing. Call or visit their websites for appointment information. Free testing is also available from WellHealth at the Simply Good Overstocks location in South Hutchinson. Appointments can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gogettested.com/" target="_blank">www.gogettested.com</a>.During the Kansas State Fair, September 10 -19, KDHE will be located at 9 Wheat State Lane, just outside of the Meadowlark Building. They will be administering COVID testing, along with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.To combat the spread of COVID, mask wearing, hand sanitizing, and social distancing are still highly recommended. To view current COVID active cases, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.renogov.org/" target="_blank">www.renogov.org</a>&nbsp;and click on the COVID-19 Dashboard link.COVID Testing Options:WellHealth at&nbsp;Simply Good Overstocks, South Hutchinson:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gogettested.com/" target="_blank">www.gogettested.com</a>Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.KDHE at the Fair: outside of the Meadowlark BuildingSeptember 10 to 19, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Hutchinson Clinic: 620-669-2500Waldron Location- Monday-Friday:&nbsp; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;South Hutchinson Location- Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Prairie Star Health Center: 620-663-8484o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Xpress Wellness Urgent Care: 620-615-7197o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Little Clinic: 620-869-1669o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

County reminds public of testing sites

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630519048780.png" alt="Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 4,195 new cases, 24 more COVID deaths

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to the latest weekly numbers posted by Hutchinson Regional Healthcare system Monday, reflecting statistics from Sunday, the hospital is still under considerable pressure, but not insurmountable.

With an overall patient count of 54, that's 10 patients below the level last Tuesday when Chuck Welch with the hospital told county commissioners the hospital was on full diversion. The hospital has also added a new class of nurses since then.

The hospital has committed to weekly updates for the foreseeable future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630403281052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to the latest weekly numbers posted by Hutchinson Regional Healthcare system Monday, reflecting statistics from Sunday, the hospital is still under considerable pressure, but not insurmountable.With an overall patient count of 54, that's 10 patients below the level last Tuesday when Chuck Welch with the hospital told county commissioners the hospital was on full diversion. The hospital has also added a new class of nurses since then.The hospital has committed to weekly updates for the foreseeable future.

Hospital COVID numbers show mostly unvaccinated patients

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The case count for COVID-19 in Reno County is up to 447 as of Monday, August 30. That is the same number of cases as the county had January 26.

Out of the 8,795 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, 8,203 have recovered, for a recovery rate of 93.2%. If you take out the current cases, the recovery rate of those for whom we know a resolution, in other words either recovery or death, the rate is 8,203 of 8,348 or 98.3%. Only one death has been recorded thus far in August.

28,280 Reno County residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, that's 45.29%. With the number of recoveries at roughly 13.13%. That would mean that 58.4% of Reno County residents have either been infected and recovered, or been at least partially vaccinated.

If you think you may have been exposed, there is still free COVID-19 testing weekdays at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut in Hutchinson from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626282501238.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The case count for COVID-19 in Reno County is up to 447 as of Monday, August 30. That is the same number of cases as the county had January 26.Out of the 8,795 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, 8,203 have recovered, for a recovery rate of 93.2%. If you take out the current cases, the recovery rate of those for whom we know a resolution, in other words either recovery or death, the rate is 8,203 of 8,348 or 98.3%. Only one death has been recorded thus far in August.28,280 Reno County residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, that's 45.29%. With the number of recoveries at roughly 13.13%. That would mean that 58.4% of Reno County residents have either been infected and recovered, or been at least partially vaccinated.If you think you may have been exposed, there is still free COVID-19 testing weekdays at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut in Hutchinson from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment.

COVID-19 case count up to late January levels, just one death in August


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The COVID-19 case count in Reno County is above 300 for the first time since February 6. 

As of Monday afternoon, there were 330 active cases in the county. No new patients were admitted to the hospital as of Monday's report, but eight are still hospitalized at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. 

There are currently 59 patients total in the hospital for all causes and two ventilators in use by all patients.

The latest positive test rate data from last week showed a 17.5% positive test rate as of August 18th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626282501238.jpeg" alt="covid white and red.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>covid white and red.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The COVID-19 case count in Reno County is above 300 for the first time since February 6. As of Monday afternoon, there were 330 active cases in the county. No new patients were admitted to the hospital as of Monday's report, but eight are still hospitalized at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. There are currently 59 patients total in the hospital for all causes and two ventilators in use by all patients.The latest positive test rate data from last week showed a 17.5% positive test rate as of August 18th.

Case count above 300 for first time since February

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.

The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.

“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”

The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

FDA gives full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

The University of Kansas Health System

The number of COVID patients at The 
University of Kansas Health System is steady today. 62 people with the 
active virus are being treated, down from 63 yesterday. Only 14 of those
 active patients are vaccinated, and all of them have underlying 
conditions such as solid organ transplants, immunosuppression, cancer, 
lung and heart disease and diabetes. They range in age from 19 to 99 
with the average age in the mid 50’s. 21 of the active patients are in 
the ICU, the same as yesterday. 14 patients are on ventilators, down 
from 16 yesterday. 23 other patients are still hospitalized because of 
COVID but are out of the acute infection phase, up from 22 yesterday. 
That’s a total of 85 patients, the same as yesterday. HaysMed has 10&nbsp; total patients, up from nine yesterday. 

On today’s 
Morning Medical Update, we heard more about the risk to immune 
compromised patients, plus when and how to get a booster 
vaccine.&nbsp;Joining the panel were Peter Jouras who is a bone marrow 
recipient, and Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Division Director, Hematologic 
Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics and Medical Director, Blood and 
Marrow Transplant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Dr. McGuirk discussed new CDC 
guidelines allowing a booster shot for immunocompromised patients. He 
says it really should not be considered a booster but a primary attempt 
at protecting that patient population, and he described the various 
conditions that make someone eligible. He warns that even a third dose 
might not be adequate for some of these patients, and they need to 
continue wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, something they did long 
before COVID. To show the level of vaccine resistance, he recounted what
 he calls a “deeply troubling” story of a 32-year-old nurse who 
contracted leukemia a year and a half ago. She underwent treatment and 
recovered, after almost dying in the ICU. She then had a bone marrow 
transplant and is in complete remission. She has been vaccinated, but 
her husband did not believe in the vaccine for himself or their four 
children. Now because of her low immunity, she’s now got COVID pneumonia
 and her husband is very ill with the virus. In Dr. McGuirk’s words, 
“It’s completely unacceptable and I’ll just be frank, it’s 
irresponsible.” He explained his staff is actively contacting patients 
to coordinate the third shot and suggests any immunocompromised patient 
get one at a pharmacy, even if they have not heard from their doctor. He
 implores everyone to get vaccinated and wear a mask, especially in a 
grocery store, both for themselves and those around them who may be 
immunocompromised. 

Peter Jouras is a bone marrow 
transplant recipient and Dr. McGuirk’s patient. He has no immunity, even
 with two doses of the COVID vaccine, but will be getting his third shot
 next week, in the hopes of mounting some response. He has three 
children in the house between 9 and 13 who spent last year doing online 
classes from home. This year they are all going back to the classrooms. 
He’s glad his children are in the Shawnee Mission School District, which
 requires masks, which should help, but Peter worries about what they 
might bring home. Right now, all of the kids hit the shower as soon as 
they come home, and their clothes go straight to the laundry. He says 
they don’t wear masks in the house, but thinks if the Delta variant 
continues to spread, he may become more isolated into a bedroom. He says
 very bluntly, “If we all tell the truth, it’s not vaccine that’s the 
problem. It’s not Delta that’s the problem. It’s not COVID that’s the 
problem. It’s disinformation that’s the problem.” He begs everyone to 
get vaccinated, saying, “Each day is very precious. And so everybody who
 gets vaccinated, basically I think about that adding one day to my 
life. And I’m very thankful for every single person I see who gets 
vaccinated.”

Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical 
director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas
 Health System, thinks temperature screenings at building entrances 
offer little benefit for the amount of disease they detect because 
people can spread the virus without having any symptoms. The exception 
is healthcare settings, which still required them under federal 
regulations. He also discussed word that the Biden administration may 
announce additional dosing for the general population. In response to a 
question about how much our body can take of “all these preservatives 
and things” in the vaccine, he says there are no preservatives of any 
kind in them. He also says any boosters will not need to have their 
ingredients “tweaked” to cover the new variants as they still offer good
 protection. He adds that no one vaccine is better than another in 
offering protection for the virus. To those who want to believe the 
vaccine doesn’t work because a third dose may be needed, he reminds us 
we already have additional dosing for things like the flu and tetanus.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qT7iRrMylaQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas Health SystemThe number of COVID patients at The 
University of Kansas Health System is steady today. 62 people with the 
active virus are being treated, down from 63 yesterday. Only 14 of those
 active patients are vaccinated, and all of them have underlying 
conditions such as solid organ transplants, immunosuppression, cancer, 
lung and heart disease and diabetes. They range in age from 19 to 99 
with the average age in the mid 50’s. 21 of the active patients are in 
the ICU, the same as yesterday. 14 patients are on ventilators, down 
from 16 yesterday. 23 other patients are still hospitalized because of 
COVID but are out of the acute infection phase, up from 22 yesterday. 
That’s a total of 85 patients, the same as yesterday. HaysMed has 10&nbsp; total patients, up from nine yesterday. On today’s 
Morning Medical Update, we heard more about the risk to immune 
compromised patients, plus when and how to get a booster 
vaccine.&nbsp;Joining the panel were Peter Jouras who is a bone marrow 
recipient, and Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Division Director, Hematologic 
Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics and Medical Director, Blood and 
Marrow Transplant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629227215027.png" alt="Peter Jouras, bone marrow recipient" />
 <figcaption>Peter Jouras, bone marrow recipient</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. McGuirk discussed new CDC 
guidelines allowing a booster shot for immunocompromised patients. He 
says it really should not be considered a booster but a primary attempt 
at protecting that patient population, and he described the various 
conditions that make someone eligible. He warns that even a third dose 
might not be adequate for some of these patients, and they need to 
continue wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, something they did long 
before COVID. To show the level of vaccine resistance, he recounted what
 he calls a “deeply troubling” story of a 32-year-old nurse who 
contracted leukemia a year and a half ago. She underwent treatment and 
recovered, after almost dying in the ICU. She then had a bone marrow 
transplant and is in complete remission. She has been vaccinated, but 
her husband did not believe in the vaccine for himself or their four 
children. Now because of her low immunity, she’s now got COVID pneumonia
 and her husband is very ill with the virus. In Dr. McGuirk’s words, 
“It’s completely unacceptable and I’ll just be frank, it’s 
irresponsible.” He explained his staff is actively contacting patients 
to coordinate the third shot and suggests any immunocompromised patient 
get one at a pharmacy, even if they have not heard from their doctor. He
 implores everyone to get vaccinated and wear a mask, especially in a 
grocery store, both for themselves and those around them who may be 
immunocompromised. Peter Jouras is a bone marrow 
transplant recipient and Dr. McGuirk’s patient. He has no immunity, even
 with two doses of the COVID vaccine, but will be getting his third shot
 next week, in the hopes of mounting some response. He has three 
children in the house between 9 and 13 who spent last year doing online 
classes from home. This year they are all going back to the classrooms. 
He’s glad his children are in the Shawnee Mission School District, which
 requires masks, which should help, but Peter worries about what they 
might bring home. Right now, all of the kids hit the shower as soon as 
they come home, and their clothes go straight to the laundry. He says 
they don’t wear masks in the house, but thinks if the Delta variant 
continues to spread, he may become more isolated into a bedroom. He says
 very bluntly, “If we all tell the truth, it’s not vaccine that’s the 
problem. It’s not Delta that’s the problem. It’s not COVID that’s the 
problem. It’s disinformation that’s the problem.” He begs everyone to 
get vaccinated, saying, “Each day is very precious. And so everybody who
 gets vaccinated, basically I think about that adding one day to my 
life. And I’m very thankful for every single person I see who gets 
vaccinated.”Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical 
director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas
 Health System, thinks temperature screenings at building entrances 
offer little benefit for the amount of disease they detect because 
people can spread the virus without having any symptoms. The exception 
is healthcare settings, which still required them under federal 
regulations. He also discussed word that the Biden administration may 
announce additional dosing for the general population. In response to a 
question about how much our body can take of “all these preservatives 
and things” in the vaccine, he says there are no preservatives of any 
kind in them. He also says any boosters will not need to have their 
ingredients “tweaked” to cover the new variants as they still offer good
 protection. He adds that no one vaccine is better than another in 
offering protection for the virus. To those who want to believe the 
vaccine doesn’t work because a third dose may be needed, he reminds us 
we already have additional dosing for things like the flu and tetanus.

🎥 Doctors talk COVID boosters and the immune-compromised

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.

Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.

An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.

Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.

The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.

Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.

Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.

Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.

For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.

“There is a concern that the vaccine may start to wane in its effectiveness,” Collins said. “And delta is a nasty one for us to try to deal with. The combination of those two means we may need boosters, maybe beginning first with health care providers, as well as people in nursing homes, and then gradually moving forward” with others, such as older Americans who were among the first to get vaccinations.

He said because the delta variant only started hitting the U.S. hard in July, the “next couple of weeks” of case data will help the U.S. make a decision.

Officials were continuing to collect information as well about the J&amp;J vaccine, which was only approved in the U.S. in late February, to determine when to recommend boosters, one of the officials said.

The White House has said that even though the U.S. has begun sharing more than 110 million vaccine doses with the world, the nation has enough domestic supply to deliver boosters to Americans should they be recommended by health officials.

Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.“There is a concern that the vaccine may start to wane in its effectiveness,” Collins said. “And delta is a nasty one for us to try to deal with. The combination of those two means we may need boosters, maybe beginning first with health care providers, as well as people in nursing homes, and then gradually moving forward” with others, such as older Americans who were among the first to get vaccinations.He said because the delta variant only started hitting the U.S. hard in July, the “next couple of weeks” of case data will help the U.S. make a decision.Officials were continuing to collect information as well about the J&amp;J vaccine, which was only approved in the U.S. in late February, to determine when to recommend boosters, one of the officials said.The White House has said that even though the U.S. has begun sharing more than 110 million vaccine doses with the world, the nation has enough domestic supply to deliver boosters to Americans should they be recommended by health officials.Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.

US to recommend COVID vaccine boosters for all 


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Medical Center employees are mostly vaccinated, according to Chuck Welch with the hospital.

"We were at 75% for awhile," Welch said. "We're north of that now. I haven't seen the latest, but I know that we're trending toward 80%."

Welch said the hospital does not, at this point, plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccination.

"We discuss this topic almost every day as an executive team," Welch said. "Right now, with the volunteer adoption of the vaccine, the trend that we're moving toward 100%, we really want to stay away from mandating anything as long as we can."

The hospital still does mandate masks for anyone inside, though.

"Masks are still required," Welch said. "We're allowing two visitors that can be rotated out. Masks are absolutely required throughout the facility. I really don't see that changing in the foreseeable future. We were first in on the masks. We'll probably be last out."

The hospital also requires a temperature check for visitors to the facility, as well.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Medical Center employees are mostly vaccinated, according to Chuck Welch with the hospital."We were at 75% for awhile," Welch said. "We're north of that now. I haven't seen the latest, but I know that we're trending toward 80%."Welch said the hospital does not, at this point, plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccination."We discuss this topic almost every day as an executive team," Welch said. "Right now, with the volunteer adoption of the vaccine, the trend that we're moving toward 100%, we really want to stay away from mandating anything as long as we can."The hospital still does mandate masks for anyone inside, though."Masks are still required," Welch said. "We're allowing two visitors that can be rotated out. Masks are absolutely required throughout the facility. I really don't see that changing in the foreseeable future. We were first in on the masks. We'll probably be last out."The hospital also requires a temperature check for visitors to the facility, as well.

Restrictions continue at HRMC, but no vaccine mandate thus far


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols is still calling on those who have not been vaccinated yet to do it.

"We do not have any large pods at this point like we were having in January, February and March timeframe," Nichols said. "The demand for the vaccine has gone down. It is truly an issue of supply and demand. We really do want the demand to come from the public and to come get the vaccine."

Even though KDHE has somewhat changed their guidance in recent days, Nichols notes that the guiding principles behind what they are going to bring to County Commissioners remain the same.

"We go back to our three foundation key points, which are vaccinations, testing and precautions," Nichols said. 

The Board of County Commissioners will have a chance to weigh in publicly as they meet Tuesday at 9 a.m.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Health Department Director Karla Nichols is still calling on those who have not been vaccinated yet to do it."We do not have any large pods at this point like we were having in January, February and March timeframe," Nichols said. "The demand for the vaccine has gone down. It is truly an issue of supply and demand. We really do want the demand to come from the public and to come get the vaccine."Even though KDHE has somewhat changed their guidance in recent days, Nichols notes that the guiding principles behind what they are going to bring to County Commissioners remain the same."We go back to our three foundation key points, which are vaccinations, testing and precautions," Nichols said. The Board of County Commissioners will have a chance to weigh in publicly as they meet Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Health Department: Come get the vaccine


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A long-time legal precedent regarding vaccinations could be challenged at the U.S. Supreme Court. A KU professor notes that Jacobson v. Massachusetts has been around for more than 100 years.

"The state of Massachusetts required that every adult be vaccinated against smallpox, on the pain of criminal sanction, you would go to jail," said KU Law professor Lumen "Lou" Mulligan. "The state of Massachusetts made no exception for a religious exemption or underlying medical condition. They just said, everybody has to be vaccinated, full stop. Mr. Jacobson protested. He claimed he had the Constitutional right to be free from a forced vaccination and the U.S. Supreme Court really had no problem saying, no, you don't."

Jacobson established a floor of constitutional protection that consists of 4 overlapping standards: necessity, reasonable means, proportionality, and harm avoidance. There are also First Amendment challenges on religious grounds that likely would have merit if a state decided to be overly draconian with the issue.

"There's no state or municipal government today, that I know of, that is pushing any kind of vaccine mandate that does not have some sort of religious exemption," Mulligan said. "For sincere religious beliefs, I don't take any vaccines at all, usually gets you an exemption, often coupled with things like the University of Indiana did, okay, you can do that, you have to be masked, you have to test, that sort of thing."

The states are given the police power and courts have traditionally given a lot of latitude to legislative bodies to make policy in this area, so it is important to remain engaged with all levels of elected officials as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A long-time legal precedent regarding vaccinations could be challenged at the U.S. Supreme Court. A KU professor notes that Jacobson v. Massachusetts has been around for more than 100 years."The state of Massachusetts required that every adult be vaccinated against smallpox, on the pain of criminal sanction, you would go to jail," said KU Law professor Lumen "Lou" Mulligan. "The state of Massachusetts made no exception for a religious exemption or underlying medical condition. They just said, everybody has to be vaccinated, full stop. Mr. Jacobson protested. He claimed he had the Constitutional right to be free from a forced vaccination and the U.S. Supreme Court really had no problem saying, no, you don't."Jacobson established a floor of constitutional protection that consists of 4 overlapping standards: necessity, reasonable means, proportionality, and harm avoidance. There are also First Amendment challenges on religious grounds that likely would have merit if a state decided to be overly draconian with the issue."There's no state or municipal government today, that I know of, that is pushing any kind of vaccine mandate that does not have some sort of religious exemption," Mulligan said. "For sincere religious beliefs, I don't take any vaccines at all, usually gets you an exemption, often coupled with things like the University of Indiana did, okay, you can do that, you have to be masked, you have to test, that sort of thing."The states are given the police power and courts have traditionally given a lot of latitude to legislative bodies to make policy in this area, so it is important to remain engaged with all levels of elected officials as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold.

KU Prof: Precedent in play in COVID challenge more than a century old


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman explained that the district she leads is taking its own approach to COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming school year.

"Right now, our plan at Buhler is to open without facemasks," Couchman said. "That's usually the biggest thing people are worried about. We are not doing temperature checks this year. Last year we did and this year we are not. We've learned a lot about COVID and how it spreads."

The district reserves the right to adjust based on future data.

"The plan is to look at our building numbers and exposures inside each building," Couchman said. "It's possible that we would mask up by building, if we had some concern that exposure is happening inside a building. We would say, okay, Buhler High School, or Prairie Hills, or wherever the building is at, that you would mask up and maybe it would be four weeks at a time and we would reevaluate it to see if maybe we can't get numbers calmed down."

Buhler is also going to host a vaccination clinic.

"They're looking at one in September, I believe," Couchman said. "We haven't finalized that with Reno County Health. We're looking at some clinics both in the fall and the beginning of winter, to try to get as many people vaccinated as possible."

Buhler is not going to use the same gating criteria as they did last year. They lifted that last spring. The board has not committed to specific case numbers that will trigger future actions.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman explained that the district she leads is taking its own approach to COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming school year."Right now, our plan at Buhler is to open without facemasks," Couchman said. "That's usually the biggest thing people are worried about. We are not doing temperature checks this year. Last year we did and this year we are not. We've learned a lot about COVID and how it spreads."The district reserves the right to adjust based on future data."The plan is to look at our building numbers and exposures inside each building," Couchman said. "It's possible that we would mask up by building, if we had some concern that exposure is happening inside a building. We would say, okay, Buhler High School, or Prairie Hills, or wherever the building is at, that you would mask up and maybe it would be four weeks at a time and we would reevaluate it to see if maybe we can't get numbers calmed down."Buhler is also going to host a vaccination clinic."They're looking at one in September, I believe," Couchman said. "We haven't finalized that with Reno County Health. We're looking at some clinics both in the fall and the beginning of winter, to try to get as many people vaccinated as possible."Buhler is not going to use the same gating criteria as they did last year. They lifted that last spring. The board has not committed to specific case numbers that will trigger future actions.

Couchman: No facemasks for now in USD 313, vaccination clinic planned


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
How much farther to herd immunity? In Reno County, according to the county's dashboard, we're not there yet.

<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00728-2">A March 2021 article from Nature</a> states that, most estimates placed the threshold for herd immunity, which is where the virus doesn't have enough hosts to circulate, at 60 to 70% of the population gaining immunity, either through vaccinations or past exposure to the virus. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-herd-immunity-a-realistic-concept-fauci-calls-it-elusive-and-mystical-11620148465">Dr. Anthony Fauci has estimated that number between 70% and 85%.</a>

Statistics from the Reno County dashboard as of Thursday put 26,116 residents as having had at least one dose of vaccine. The dashboard says that is 41.82% of residents, so let's assume they are working from a number of 62,450.

If you assume that all those with a documented case of COVID-19 that were counted on the dashboard have immunity that currently holds, there have been 7,878 recoveries and there are 78 cases. That is 7,956.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
How much farther to herd immunity? In Reno County, according to the county's dashboard, we're not there yet.<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00728-2">A March 2021 article from Nature</a> states that, most estimates placed the threshold for herd immunity, which is where the virus doesn't have enough hosts to circulate, at 60 to 70% of the population gaining immunity, either through vaccinations or past exposure to the virus. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-herd-immunity-a-realistic-concept-fauci-calls-it-elusive-and-mystical-11620148465">Dr. Anthony Fauci has estimated that number between 70% and 85%.</a>Statistics from the Reno County dashboard as of Thursday put 26,116 residents as having had at least one dose of vaccine. The dashboard says that is 41.82% of residents, so let's assume they are working from a number of 62,450.If you assume that all those with a documented case of COVID-19 that were counted on the dashboard have immunity that currently holds, there have been 7,878 recoveries and there are 78 cases. That is 7,956.26,116 plus 7,956 is 34,072. 34,072 is 54.55% of 62,450. If all of those numbers hold and all of the immunity holds and 60% is the threshold, then Reno County would still need approximately 1,145 more people to either be infected or immunized just to reach 60%.It is also not definitive yet that the use of vaccine blocks transmission. If a new variant comes in that can be transmissible by the immunized, even if it doesn't make them sick, that would allow the virus to continue to circulate and would reduce that safe number back down by some unknown amount. We also don't know yet how long immunity from infection lasts, so we don't know if any of those numbers that have been infected could eventually be reinfected, especially if the variant circulating is different than the one they were originally infected with, though as of a July 27 email from county data analyst DJ Gering, there have only been five confirmed reinfections in Reno County, so that hasn't been a statistical concern to date.Vaccine manufacturers noted that the goal of vaccination was not to prevent illness, but rather, hospitalization and death. The death rate in Reno County to this point is 144 deaths out of 8100 cases, or 1.78%.

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