By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
45.4 million cases, 739,000 deaths
Florida
3.6 million cases, 58,803 deaths
Update
New coronavirus cases continue to drop sharply in Florida. Florida is now averaging around 2,200 new cases per day.
Hospitalizations and deaths have also dropped sharply in Florida.
Cases continue to rise in Western states such as Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Announcements
Booster Shots
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of boosters for Moderna vaccines. Additionally, the FDA has authorized the use of a mix-and -match approach to administering booster shots for all three vaccines approved for use in the US. This means that an individual may receive booster shots from any available vaccine, regardless for the vaccine manufacturer used for the first two doses.
For individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, boosters are available for the following groups:
65 and older
18 years and older living in a long-term care setting
18 years and older with underlying medical conditions
18 years and older living or working in high-risk settings.
These individuals may receive any booster 6 months or more after their initial series.
For individuals who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, booster shots of any manufacturer are available to individuals 18 and older who had received their shot two or more months ago.
Advisory
COVID-19 remains a serious health crisis. Vigilance is critical to reducing the chance of acquiring an infection. Practice good COVID-19 control strategies:
Observe social distancing guidelines (6 feet or more of separation from others).
Practice good hand hygiene (wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizers).
Wear a mask when out in public if you are unvaccinated.
For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit
www.FloridaHealth.org; nyt.com; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov;
