Category Archives: COVID-19

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

KDHE Amends Travel & Exposure Related Quarantine List

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the countries of Austria, Belgium, Cayman Islands, Czechia, Gibraltar, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Slovakia and Slovenia. The country of Andorra has been added to the travel quarantine list. An unvaccinated individual should quarantine if they meet the following criteria:

  • Traveled between Nov. 4 and Dec. 17 to Slovenia.
  • Traveled between Nov. 18 and Dec. 17 to Austria, Cayman Islands and Gibraltar.
  • Traveled between Dec. 2 and Dec. 17 to Belgium, Czechia, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Netherlands and Slovakia.
  • Traveled on or after Dec. 17 to Andorra.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state or in-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The next travel quarantine list update will be sent out during the first week of January.

The travel and mass gathering quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel or mass gatherings if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

First confirmed case of Omicron variant detected by State Lab

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COVID-19 Courtesy photo.

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced that the state Health and Environmental Laboratories has found the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in one Kansas resident.

The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories are screening all current positive PCR COVID-19 samples received at the lab to look for a specific genetic characteristic that would indicate the Omicron variant. Any samples that screen positive will be sequenced for confirmation of the Omicron variant. Additionally, the lab sequences a random sample of PCR positive COVID-19 samples regardless of whether they pass this screening process. This multi-pronged approach led to the detection of the variant.

“Since the Omicron variant was classified as a Variant of Concern, KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories has been working to identify the variant in the state. Through genomic sequencing, they were able to confirm the first case of the Omicron variant in Kansas,” Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said. “The detection of the variant does not come as a surprise. This virus is highly infectious and transmittable. We must do our part to protect ourselves and those around us by using the tools available to us.”

The individual with the Omicron variant is a vaccinated adult in Franklin County. This individual has not received a booster dose. No additional details will be released to protect the privacy of the individual.

Health officials urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

  • Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists expect the vaccines to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all individuals ages 16 and over. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov.
  • Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings in Kansas, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Get tested. If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing location near you.

    At-home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results. If a positive result is received through an at-home test, individuals should follow up with a health care provider about a confirmation test.

  • Social distance. When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.

COVID-19, Government

KDHE Recommends COVID-19 Booster Dose for Kansans age 16 and Older 

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KDHE supports CDC and FDA recommendation to expand eligibility to adolescents ages 16 and 17

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will adopt the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new booster recommendation and has authorized all COVID-19 vaccine providers to begin administering Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots to eligible adolescents ages 16 and 17.

“The vaccine is safe, effective and free and remains the best way to protect yourself from serious illness,” Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary said. “With the rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and the rise of the Omicron variant, we encourage all eligible Kansans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot.”

Kansans who are at least 16 years old and have met the 6-month time period following the primary vaccination series for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or who had their Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago, are now eligible to get the COVID-19 booster dose.

Available data show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic visit Vaccines.gov.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE Update on the Omicron Variant

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to sequence positive COVID-19 samples and has not yet identified the Omicron variant in Kansas. While there is more to learn about Omicron, the same prevention methods used throughout the pandemic remain the best tools to help stop the spread of the virus and prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. The SARS-CoV-2 Variants tab on the COVID-19 Dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday and includes the total count of Omicron cases in the state. When the first case of the Omicron variant is identified, KDHE will issue a statement—identifying information such as age, location and gender will not be released to protect the individual’s privacy.

What We Know about Omicron

  • Reports from South Africa suggest the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta virus.
  • More data is needed to understand the severity of infections caused by the Omicron variant.
  • Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people are likely to occur. One early study showed that getting a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine may protect against infection with Omicron. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
  • Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work on the Omicron variant.

Tools to Protect Yourselves from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant

Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death and scientists expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people aged 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all adults aged 18 and over.

Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings in Kansas where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.

Get tested. If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing location near you.

Social distance. When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.

At home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

SEK Health Department: All Vaccines Available

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Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department has all 3 COVID-19 vaccines available at their offices.

To get vaccinated,  call for an appointment.

“Things are seeming to pick up with children getting vaccinated, but there are still more adults getting vaccinated than children,” Rebecca Johnson, administrator, said. “I’m glad for the increase in children’s vaccinations but wish we’d see more getting the shot. This will decrease quarantines and time missed from school and work, that is something encouraging for parents!”

“There’s quite a bit of information for parents online about safety of the vaccine for children. I recommend reviewing information from the CDC.”

“With any variant, there is always fear of the unknown, but we are monitoring this new variant (Omicron) and staying up to date with what information KDHE has to provide, the CDC, the other Health Departments in the state as well as information we get from our bordering states. I would recommend our residents stay vigilant in their mitigation against COVID-19, stay home if they’re aware they have been exposed to the virus and stay home if sick! ”

The department is located at 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

Phone (620)223-4464, Fax (620)223-1686

From  the Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

“No confirmed cases have been identified in Kansas or the United States to date. This variant is new, and it is still unknown how transmissible or contagious this variant is. It is unclear how quickly it will spread, but it has been found in 17 countries already and we should assume that it is only a matter of time before it will be found in the United States. KDHE will continue to sequence positive COVID-19 samples to look for the Omicron variant.

With over 64% of the eligible population fully vaccinated, Kansas is more prepared for Omicron than previous variants. Experts continue to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to protect those who are vaccinated against severe disease and death. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for all individuals aged five years and over. The vaccine booster dose is available for all adults aged 18 and over. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response, so even if the virus mutates, a boost makes it more likely that your antibodies can prevent you from getting sick or seriously ill, even with the new variant. If you are six months past your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past your J&J vaccine, get boosted now.

As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, taking steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus remains the same. Kansans should receive the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, wear a mask in public indoor settings, wash their hands frequently, physically distance from others as much as possible, stay home if they feel sick, and get tested if they have been exposed to COVID-19 disease or have symptoms.”

 

 

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccine, boosters available at CHC/SEK  

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Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

There’s still time to get vaccinated before holiday travel  

 

With the holiday travel and gathering season upon us, coupled with the winter season of colds, flu and other respiratory infections, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) would like to remind the public that having the added protection of a COVID-19 booster is vitally important. 

COVID-19 vaccine boosters are now available at most CHC/SEK locations and are recommended for all adults 18 years and older if it has been 6 months since their last Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or 2 months since the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. 

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.   

The CDC is urging the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness.

There is never any out-of-pocket expense for any COVID-19 vaccine recipient at CHC/SEK. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.  

 

To speed the process and to prevent vaccine waste, (open vials have a short shelf life) the clinic encourages those wishing vaccinations to schedule an appointment through the CHC/SEK website, www.chcsek.org. After submitting the request, a vaccine scheduler will call to confirm an appointment. Additionally, CHC/SEK will continue to offer vaccines at Walk-In Care visits and Primary Care visits.  

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

KDHE Announces Changes to Kansas COVID-19 Testing Strategy

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~ As KDHE shifts to a sustainable, long-term plan to support COVID-19 monitoring, testing will remain free and available to the general public ~

TOPEKA – Following the recent release of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) updated Employer Testing Playbook, KDHE is announcing upcoming changes to its COVID-19 testing strategy that ensure testing remains accessible to all Kansans across the State.

As widespread COVID-19 vaccination continues to prevent serious illness and death, the virus is expected to continue to circulate in the near future, not unlike the flu. Testing remains an important tool to identify the virus and protect Kansan communities against its spread.

“Testing has become an increasingly important way in which those who choose to be unvaccinated may still be able to work, attend events, and travel,” said Ashley Goss, Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “This is especially critical as more businesses and employers have begun requiring either proof of vaccination or demonstration of a negative COVID-19 test with greater frequency.”

However, as COVID-19 continues to be present in our communities, it is no longer sustainable for public health to fund testing alone. KDHE initially allocated $141M of federal grant funding to make COVID-19 testing accessible for all Kansans, including support for commercial and university labs to help expand processing and sampling capacity. The surge of infections due to the Delta variant significantly depleted this budget in a shorter timeframe than expected.

As a result, and to ensure Kansans have uninterrupted access to crucial COVID-19 testing, KDHE is implementing the next phase of its COVID-19 testing strategy, which is intended to reduce the State’s costs for its testing program while ensuring it can continue into 2022.

These changes will also mean employers, health insurers, and individuals are going to be increasingly asked to pay for COVID-19 testing, as they would with testing for most other communicable diseases. Moving forward, access to COVID-19 testing will be a shared responsibility of both the public and private sector. To ensure adequate time for testing partners to transition, KDHE has approached state and federal bodies to secure additional funding for continuity of testing operations through March 2022.

Free COVID-19 testing will continue to be available across Kansas for those who are experiencing symptoms or have potential exposures to COVID-19 in their communities. To get a COVID-19 test through KDHE’s mass testing sites, the network of Community and Volunteer Testing Partners, and Local Health Departments, Kansans can access a full list of sites offering free testing at KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com. The following options remain available for free testing across the State, with availability dependent on need as well as state and federal funding:

  • Mass testing sites: KDHE will continue to offer free COVID-19 PCR tests at 9 mass testing sites in Johnson, Wyandotte, Douglas, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Riley counties
  • Employer testing: KDHE will continue employer testing for those previously enrolled in the COVID-19 employer testing program, supporting biweekly testing for 10% of employees. KDHE is working with state and federal bodies to secure funding to support this program through March 2022, at which point it will be phased out. Any changes to this timeline will be communicated as clearly and early as possible.
  • Community Testing Partner Program and Volunteer Testing Partner Program: Free rapid antigen tests will continue to be offered as long as supplies are available by over 100 partner organizations enrolled in the program in more than 80 counties across Kansas. KDHE is working with state and federal bodies to secure funding to support this program through at least March 2022. Any changes to availability of testing supplies or the program will be communicated as clearly and early as possible.
  • Local Health Departments: KDHE will continue to support Local Health Departments that offer free COVID-19 PCR tests to Kansans in their communities
  • K-12 schools: KDHE will continue to fund free testing for students and staff at schools that are participating in the school testing program. Schools not currently enrolled in the school testing program can contact Sarah Allin at [email protected].
  • Long Term Care Facilities: Facilities have the option of receiving free surveillance testing through a national vendor and / or to modify existing contracts with lab vendors to include billing insurance for diagnostic testing
  • Outbreaks: KDHE will continue to offer free testing in response to outbreaks in a facility or organization

In addition to KDHE free testing sites, Kansans can receive free testing at pharmacies and retailers that are part of the federal Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program. Other options for testing that may require insurance include pharmacies, primary care provider clinics, and FQHCs. Individuals can also purchase over the counter antigen tests at many retail grocery stores and pharmacies across Kansas.

For additional information on updates to Kansas’ testing strategy or to find a free testing site, visit KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.

COVID-19, Kansas

KDHE Amends Travel & Exposure Related Quarantine List

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KDHE Amends Travel & Exposure Related Quarantine List

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the state of Alaska and the countries of Estonia, Isle of Man, Latvia, Lithuania and Serbia. The countries of Austria, Cayman Islands, Croatia and Gibraltar have been added to the travel quarantine list. An unvaccinated individual should quarantine if they meet the following criteria:

  • Traveled between Oct. 7 and Nov. 18 to Alaska.
  • Traveled on or after Oct. 22 to Barbados and Georgia.
  • Traveled between Oct. 22 and Nov. 18 to Latvia and Serbia.
  • Traveled on or after Nov. 4 to Faroe Islands and Slovenia.
  • Traveled between Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 to Estonia, Isle of Man and Lithuania.
  • Traveled on or after Nov. 18 to Austria, Cayman Islands, Croatia and Gibraltar.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state or in-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel and mass gathering quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel or mass gatherings if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE Encourages COVID-19 Safe Holiday Celebrations 

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages Kansans to celebrate the upcoming holidays safely. Whether you are celebrating with family or friends, it is important to know what COVID-19 precautions you can take to protect yourself and others this holiday season.

In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated. Getting vaccinated also helps protect others around you, including those not yet eligible for vaccination, such as young children.
  • Get tested. Even if someone is not showing symptoms, they can still spread the virus. Protect your loved ones by getting tested for COVID-19 before spending the holidays with friends and family.
  • Wear a mask. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings. In communities with substantial to high transmission rates, wearing a mask is recommended in public indoor settings even if you are fully vaccinated. If you or someone you are celebrating with has a weakened immune system, is at an increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated, you may choose to wear a mask while gathering as an added precaution.
  • Take travel precautions. It is recommended to delay travel until you are fully vaccinated, but whether you are fully vaccinated or not, it is important to know the travel recommendations and restrictions before your trip. For information about domestic and international travel guidance for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, visit the CDC’s Travel page.

“With the holidays fast approaching, we want to encourage all Kansans to prioritize their health and safety this season,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “It is important to take the steps that we can and do our part to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. During the upcoming holidays, we hope you can create new, happy memories while protecting yourselves and your loved ones.”

Help keep our communities stay safe by getting tested regularly. To find a free testing location near you, visit knowbeforeyougoKS.com.

To learn more about the vaccines, who is eligible to get vaccinated (or receive a booster shot), and schedule a vaccination appointment, visit kansasvaccine.gov.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Booster Shots Available

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces COVID-19 Booster Shots Available to All Fully Vaccinated Adults

~All fully vaccinated Kansans over the age of 18 who are 6 months past Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, or two months past Johnson & Johnson vaccination, are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shot ~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced all fully vaccinated Kansans over the age of 18 are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is free, safe, effective, and the best way to keep our communities protected from this virus,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Expanding access to booster shots will help us put an end to this deadly pandemic. Whether you are considering your first shot or signing up for a booster, I urge everyone to get the facts and get vaccinated.”

All Kansans who meet the below criteria are now eligible and encouraged to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • The patient is at least 18 years old and has met the 6-month time period following the primary vaccination series for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or it has been at least 2 months since their Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • The patient’s assessment of risk exposure may include, but is not limited to, those who work with the public or live with someone who works with the public, live or work with someone at high risk of severe impact of COVID, live in geographic areas that have been heavily impacted by COVID, reside in high transmission areas, live in congregate setting, experience social inequity or other risk conditions as assessed by the individual. Currently, there is a high risk of community transmission in all Kansas counties. Vaccine providers should allow patients to self-determine their risk of exposure.

“As we move into the winter months, Kansans will increasingly be indoors, putting themselves at greater risk of contracting the virus,” said Secretary Lee Norman, M.D., Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “Allowing Kansans to self-determine their risk of exposure to COVID-19 ensures that every tool is available to protect themselves and reduce the possibility of a winter COVID-19 surge.”

Available data right now show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the Delta variant. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic visit Vaccines.gov.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Local Health Department Now Offering COVID Vaccine For 5-11 Year Olds

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The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is now able to offer Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11 year-olds.

If a parent is interested, they would need to call the local health department to make an appointment. This is a 2-dose series and the 2nd dose is to be given at least 21 days after the first.

Only Pfizer has been approved for 5-17 year-olds.

There is no recommendation at this time for a booster for this age group.

Submitted by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEK Multi-County Health Department

Administrator, 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

Phone (620)223-4464

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor: New Fed Vaccine Mandate Is Not the Solution For Kansas

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Statement Addressing New Federal Vaccine Mandate

TOPEKA – The following can be attributed to Governor Laura Kelly regarding the Biden Administration’s new vaccine mandate: 

“Yesterday, I reviewed the new vaccine mandate from the Biden Administration. While I appreciate the intention to keep people safe, a goal I share, I don’t believe this directive is the correct, or the most effective, solution for Kansas.

“States have been leading the fight against COVID-19 from the start of the pandemic. It is too late to impose a federal standard now that we have already developed systems and strategies that are tailored for our specific needs. I will seek a resolution that continues to recognize the uniqueness of our state and builds on our on-going efforts to combat a once-in-a-century crisis.”