A Redding COVID-19 vax van clinic is scheduled for this Sunday, September 19 from 1-4pm at the Redding Community Center. Pfizer, Moderna, and J & J vaccine will be available, and no appointment is needed. This clinic is for first and second dose vaccinations and for third doses for those who are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised.
At this time third (booster) doses are only for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who might not have mounted an adequate immune response with two doses of either Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC's latest third dose guidance does not apply to Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Connecticut will use a self-attestation model for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
People considered moderately to severely immunocompromised if they are/have:
• Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
Residents who already know that they meet these clinical guidelines can attend the Redding clinic this Sunday or can contact a vaccine provider here and make an appointment for the third dose.
The Governor and Public Health Commissioner Express Concerns
Governor Ned Lamont and Deidre S. Gifford, MD, MPH, senior advisor to the Governor for Health and Human Services and acting commissioner of the Department of Public Health, are expressing concern with the recent COVID-19 outbreaks among vaccinated and unvaccinated persons in Connecticut.
The outbreaks have several things in common:
1. Unvaccinated persons were more likely to become infected than vaccinated persons
2. Mask use was not consistent
3. Indoor activities resulting in close contact with unvaccinated individuals who are not wearing masks can lead to disease transmission (wearing a properly fitted mask helps mitigate the risk to some degree).
4. Outbreaks can result in transmission of the illness to family members and others who did not participate in the activities that led to the initial outbreak.
Booster Shot Information
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) will be meeting on September 17th to discuss the manufacture’s data regarding booster dose administration. Shortly following the meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet to review the latest data on safety and immunology of booster doses, and evaluate effectiveness and then make recommendations on the use of a booster dose based on these reviews.
Health and Human Services continues to reference its plan for boosters at an 8-month interval, but FDA and ACIP have indicated they are considering different potential intervals and potential focus on certain subpopulations based on the review data (e.g., long-term care facility residents, people ages 75 years and older, people aged 65 years and older, and healthcare personnel). ACIP has emphasized they will continue to follow the science, and evidence will inform decision-making.
Reconciling VAMS Data
Some Redding residents might have received an email/text from VAMS. Please disregard this message. No action is required on your part. This reconciliation of VAMS data is to ensure that all vaccination records are accurate in CDC VAMS.
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