Vaccine remains “strongest” prevention of COVID, according to IDPH | News, Sports, Jobs

That’s the message from the Iowa Department of Public Health following an increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in recent weeks.

“Although there are several tools available to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the vaccine remains the most potent and Iowans should get vaccinated as soon as possible,” he added. IDPH said in a written statement.

The department reported on Wednesday that the majority of current hospitalizations related to COVID-19 are in unvaccinated Iowans.

As of Wednesday, 79% of people hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 were not vaccinated and 86% of intensive care patients were not vaccinated before becoming infected, the IDPH reported.

Positive tests in the last 7 days by age group

Source: Iowa Department of Public Health

The hospitalization rate is currently highest among middle-aged to older adults. Almost 90% of people hospitalized are 40 years old and over. Children under 18 represent only 2% of hospitalizations related to COVID-19.

At the same time, the IDPH reports that the state is in much better shape than in November 2020, when the state experienced its highest level of viral activity. And part of the reason for that is because of the vaccine.

“We have many tools we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and the most important tool we have is the vaccine, which is very effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death.” , he added. said Kelly Garcia, Interim Director of IDPH. “For anyone waiting for assurance of full clearance from the FDA, I urge you to make an appointment today.”

According to the IDPH, preventing preventable hospitalizations for COVID-19 also helps preserve health care resources for other needs, including illness, injury and emergencies.

Some hospitals in Iowa recently reported an increase in hospitalizations for children with RSV, limiting their bed capacity for other patients.

The IDPH reported 42 more deaths from COVID-19 on Wednesday. These deaths occurred over a four-week period, from July 24 to August 24. 22, 2021.

Three deaths attributed to COVID-19 have been reported in Webster County since early August. The total number of deaths since March 2020 in Webster County is 102.

The IDPH highlights these measures to protect themselves and others from COVID-19:

To get vaccinated

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60% of Iowans ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated and there have been recent increases in the rates of daily vaccine administration.

All residents of Iowa over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-29 vaccine. Vaccines are free, safe, and available statewide. Find a vaccine supplier at vacccinateiowa.gov. Residents of Iowa who have questions about the vaccine should contact their health care provider. Click here to find out who is currently eligible for an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Get tested

If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested as soon as possible. Symptoms may include a cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Tests are widely available with many convenient options.

Residents of Iowa can access the tests at the following locations:

• Primary care providers

• Urgent Care

• Local and national pharmacies

• Private laboratories in local communities

Test Iowa at home:

IDPH and State Hygienic Lab are teaming up to provide free home test kits in Iowan. These test kits are ideal for proactive diagnosis. Examples of proactive testing:

• Before an upcoming trip or upon returning from a trip.

• Ensure negative status before attending events.

• Recent COVID-19 positive and would like to ensure a negative result before resuming normal activities.

• To have on hand for family members in the event of exposure.

Visit testiowa.com for more information, to order a test kit, or to find a pick-up location near you.

Iowians are urged not to go to a hospital emergency room for COVID-19 diagnostic tests unless they have severe symptoms. A visit to the emergency room can expose other people in medically fragile condition to the virus and put additional strain on hospital resources.

Seek treatment

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be able to reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent poor outcomes by receiving monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies can reduce the amount of virus in your body. Monoclonal antibodies do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. It is important to do this before your symptoms progress to ensure the best possible outcome.

Reported Webster County COVID Data

In the past seven days, 96 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Webster County, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

During this period, 7 percent of tests performed were positive.

The department reported that the largest percentage of those new cases, 26%, were in people between the ages of 18 and 29.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 6,218 cases of COVID-19 in Webster County.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported that there have been 102 deaths in the county due to COVID-19.