Tag Archive for: #vaccine

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Those Wanting CV-19 Vaccine Can Get CV-19 Vaccine

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The bottom line on CV-19 vaccine is if you want a shot you can get a shot, including first and second doses as well as boosters and for children age 5 and older.

As Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison explained in a weekly email she publishes, “You can come in any day of the week to either location of the health department from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to receive any CV-19 vaccine being offered – first doses, second doses, booster doses, and even pediatric doses are all available. Only Pfizer is authorized for kiddos, but we have all three types available – Pfizer, Moderna, and J & J depending on what you are eligible for and interested in. Come see us.”

Harrison continued that the data are abundantly clear that getting vaccinated is much safer than not getting vaccinated. She cited a report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and wrote that “unvaccinated individuals are five times (or 564%) more likely to get COVID-19 as vaccinated individuals.”

She said the next page of the NCDHHS report said that “unvaccinated individuals are 25.30 times (or 2,530%) more likely to die of COVID-19 as vaccinated individuals.”

Lastly, she wrote that it’s important to get a flu shot.

Vaccination Requirements for Healthcare Workers

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Maria Parham Health on Friday issued a statement to WIZS News concerning the vaccination of its healthcare workers.

The statement said:

“At this time, Maria Parham Health is strongly encouraging and supporting all of our team members to become fully vaccinated. There is significant evidence that grows daily indicating that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Understanding that the situation changes daily, we are committed to carefully evaluating the research and the level of COVID-19 activity in our communities as we make this very important decision independent of approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We will continue to evaluate our procedures and closely follow guidance from our local, state and federal partners in public health.

“We are aware of Duke University Health System’s decision to require the COVID-19 vaccine for its team members, and we respect this position. Like the majority of hospitals and health systems in the country, we are continuing to discuss this complex issue and determine best next steps for the communities we serve. Maria Parham Health remains committed to strongly encouraging and supporting all of our team members to become fully vaccinated.”

On Thursday the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) announced its position approved by the association’s board of trustees supporting COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare workers. In a press release issued by the State of North Carolina, the NCHA also announced several of its member health systems intend to be first in the state to require COVID-19 vaccination for their employees, including Atrium Health, Cone Health, Duke University Health System, Novant Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health and the following UNC Health hospitals – UNC Medical Center, UNC Rex, UNC Johnston, UNC Chatham, UNC Rockingham and UNC Southeastern.

In response, Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said in the press release:

“I am so grateful to our hospitals and health systems who have been tremendous partners as we’ve worked together to respond to the pandemic. We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to our healthcare workforce who have selflessly given so much of themselves to protect and care for us and put us on a path to recovery. Thank you to the North Carolina Healthcare Association, and the health systems that are leading the way requiring vaccination for employees, for taking action to protect the health care workforce, their patients, our communities and the state. Vaccinations are our way out of the pandemic. Don’t wait to vaccinate.”

Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

CANCELLED – Covid Vaccine, PPE, Food Distribution – Fri, Apr 2 at Shiloh – CANCELLED

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UPDATE 4 P.M. THURSDAY

OFFICIALS WITH GRRO INFORM WIZS NEWS THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

“(Friday’s) COVID Vaccination Clinic at Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson has been canceled. GRRO was just informed that our allocation of vaccines will not arrive in time for tomorrow,” Luccette Mercer said.

It’s speculated that the delay in the arrival of the vaccine is due to the Easter holiday.

Once the event is rescheduled, it will be posted on wizs.com and announced on the WIZS News.

 

— original press release from GRRO as published about the now cancelled event

On Friday, April 2, 2021, Shiloh Baptist Church is hosting a Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic with free food and PPE distributions. The community is invited to come get their vaccines from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 635 S. College Street in Henderson. The vaccine clinic will be conducted through drive-up or walk-up service, with minimal or no-contact.

Green Rural Redevelopment has expanded their commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural North Carolinians with the new Wellness on Wheels Mobile Medical Clinic. The 33 foot mobile clinic will be at the Shiloh Baptist Church parking lot on Friday with a team of professionals who will provide COVID testing and vaccinations. GRRO’s Community Health Workers will distribute groceries to people who get vaccinated.

Shiloh Baptist Church is pleased to be part of a great collaboration with GRRO, Groundwater Solutions, Inc. and Genesis Project1 to provide the Henderson community with another opportunity to get vaccinated.

Remember, the vaccine is your best defense against Coronavirus. Protect yourself and those you love by getting the shot. You have the spot to get the shot.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

TownTalk 03-09-21; Lisa Harrison, Granville Vance Public Health

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The recent stretch of warmer, sunny days is a welcome sign that spring is just around the corner. For Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison, the break in the weather is another way to combat COVID-19 as well.

“The biggest help is that people spend more time outside,” Harrison said on Tuesday’s Town Talk. She spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris about how things are going with vaccinations in the area and what’s in store in the upcoming months.

“Making sure that we’re breathing fresh air,” she said, adding that the natural ventilation that being outdoors affords is very beneficial.

At this time, 17 percent of residents in Vance and Granville counties have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine and 10 percent are fully vaccinated. “That’s just excellent progress,” she said.

“We’re doing an excellent job,” Harrison said, and said the collaboration with community partners like schools, hospitals and local pharmacies has been a key component to getting vaccines in arms.

The very good news that Harrison shared Tuesday comes from a CDC update, as well as from Gov. Roy Cooper and DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. People who have been fully vaccinated and have waited two weeks for full immunity to occur can gather in small groups – sans masks. “It’s absolutely fine for us to congregate in small groups,” she said, as long as everyone has waited two weeks after being fully vaccinated.

It is still important to wear masks in big public spaces, she said, or in spaces where you’re not sure that everyone has been fully vaccinated, she added.

More than 15,000 shots have been given in the two counties, she said, but she also acknowledged that some residents may choose not to be vaccinated. Being vaccinated, however, is “the best way to protect our entire population and each other.” Some people who have been exposed to the virus may have developed their own antibodies, which she said is a positive step toward overall community resistance or immunity to COVID-19.

For complete details and audio click play.  Story continues below including links.

Harrison reiterated that the three vaccines currently available in North Carolina – Phizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – are all safe and effective. All three prevent severe illness and hospitalization. “There is not a bad choice,” she stated. “Dr. (Anthony) Fauci is right – get the vaccine that is available to you first.”

Because the Phizer vaccine is the most fragile, it usually goes to hospitals because they can keep it in super-cold storage. The Phizer vaccine is shipped in lots of 975 doses and is used for large-scale clinics. The Moderna vaccine doesn’t have to be kept as cold, she said. She estimated that each county gets between 500 and 700 Moderna doses each week. Harrison said the health department probably would be ordering the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the end of March. It could be used for more vulnerable populations, such as those people who may have a difficult time coming back for a second dose, which is required of both the Phizer and Moderna vaccines.

Side effects such as achiness, soreness or fatigue after the second shot, Harrison said , simply mean “your immune system is working well.” You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine, she stressed. The vaccine “trains” your immune system to recognize and combat the virus. “It trains your immune system and then it disappears,” she said.

After the show, Harrison forwarded some links of interest to WIZS.

https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/1469/open

https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/905/download

 

NCDHHS

NC to Receive Authorized Johnson & Johnson’s One-Shot COVID-19 Vaccine Wednesday

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— NCDHHS Press Release — 

North Carolina has another tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to protect against virus-related hospitalization and death. The federal government authorized the distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s (Janssen) one-shot vaccine and more than 80,000 doses are expected to arrive in the state this week, beginning on Wednesday.

“A third COVID-19 vaccine means North Carolina can get more people vaccinated sooner, which will save lives and slow the spread,” said North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Like the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines currently in use, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine protects against virus-related hospitalization and death. There are possible temporary reactions, such as a sore arm, fever, headache or feeling tired and achy for a day or two. All of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized were built upon decades of previous work on similar vaccines.

This increased supply will help to ensure the equitable distribution and access to COVID-19 vaccines in every community in the state. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a single-dose shot and does not require extreme cold storage. As a result, it can be more easily shipped, stored and administered, factors that will help to increase the number of vaccination sites and make them more accessible.

“COVID-19 vaccines and the continued use of the 3 Ws are the most effective ways to help North Carolina stop the spread of COVID-19, get us back in control of our lives and back to the people and places we love,” said Secretary Cohen.

Visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov for accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccines. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, continue to practice the 3 Ws – wear a mask, wait six feet apart and wash your hands.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

TownTalk: Vaccine Deployment; Lisa Harrison, GVPH Director

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The Granville-Vance Health District is establishing a Hotline for county residents to call to register for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to GVHD Health Director Lisa Harrison.

Harrison appeared on Town Talk Wednesday and told host John C. Rose that residents who fall into the 1B phase of people eligible for the vaccine can call the number as early as tomorrow (Thursday). The number will be posted on gvph.org and on WIZS home page when it is available.

“The plan is for us to get as many shots in people’s arms as quickly as possible,” Harrison said, but asked for patience from residents as the health department staff makes adjustments to roll out the vaccine. 

Click Play to Listen to Lisa Harrison on TownTalk…

The state is in Phase 1A of the process, which prioritizes vaccinations for front-line health care workers and those who work and who live in long-term care facilities. Harrison predicted that vaccinations for this group would take all of the month of January to complete, at which time the area would move to Phase 1B. Phase 1B includes any resident age 75 or older and front-line essential workers aged 50 or older, according to Harrison. “That is a huge group – we will be (vaccinating) that group for quite a while,’ she said. 

Harrison predicted that it may be March before the third group prioritized to get the shot. This group includes health-care workers and front-line workers of any age, as well as other groups including educators and city and county government officials.

The health department staff continues to monitor current COVID-19 cases and do contact tracing, and now, Harrison said, she has 20 people who can give the vaccine. “We want to do the best job we can as fast as we can,” she said. “I know a lot of people are really eager to come to the health dept or the hospital and get their shot, and I am grateful,” Harrison continued, and asked for public’s patience as those at higher risk to contract COVID-19 are vaccinated first.

“We will get to everyone. We just can’t get to everyone today and tomorrow. And so we will continue to let you know what comes up next, following the rules but being as fast as possible.”

Right now, the health department has sufficient vaccine to get through the next two weeks. She estimated that the vaccine on hand can vaccinate 100 people a day for 10 days. “We’re both excited and daunted by the work ahead,” Harrison said.

The health department is a “small but mighty group” putting in long hours to work on contact tracing, entering data into the state-mandated COVID monitoring system and now giving vaccines. Harrison said, “I will be very appreciative when other primary care offices and pharmacies have the vaccine available.” At this time, however, health departments and hospitals are the only outlets for the vaccine. Hospitals will spend most of the month of January vaccinating ER and ICU personnel, she said. Other front-line or essential workers will get vaccinated as soon as possible. “We look forward to getting to them in the coming weeks,” Harrison said.

For more information, contact the Vance office at 252.492.7915. The Granville office number is 919.693.2141.

Town Talk Logo

Vaccine Here; TownTalk 12-23-20 MPH CEO Beard Beard

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Vaccine is here.  Maria Parham Health is administering within guidelines.

Last week Maria Parham Health CEO, in talking about Covid-19, said, “It’s been an amazing journey and amazing to watch our healthcare providers in our teams step up over the last year in spite of everything that’s gone on. So I would definitely use exciting or ecstatic to describe just the hope that it gives to receive that vaccine (Tuesday).”

On Tuesday, Dec 22, 2020 the hospital received the Moderna vaccine, and begin administering it Wednesday morning to “front line healthcare workers under the state guidelines of phase 1A.”

On Wednesday MPH administered, Beard said, “from 80 to 90 vaccines and then we will break for the holiday because people need to be off and they need to recharge their battery, and we’ll begin again next week vaccinating our teams within the state guidelines and moving through that progression of the four phases as they allow us and release more vaccine to us.”

Click play to hear Beard on TownTalk…

He said, “It’s mixed among people whether they’re going to get it and how effective it’s going to be. All indications and research that our company and health system has done indicates there’s a 95% effectiveness. So we’re encouraging folks to do it; we’re not mandating it, but we are posting on social media, our physicians, our leaders, some of our nurse leaders to show that it is safe and that we are adopting it to get things back to normal in 2021.”

Beard said the hospital teams are looking forward to being able to vaccinate more and more people as the state releases healthcare workers to do so.