By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
38 million cases, 630,000 deaths
Florida*
3 million cases, 42,252 deaths
*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. The department will instead post weekly updates. The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, August 13 – August 19.
Announcements
COVID-19 Booster Shots
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall. CDC’s independent advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will make further recommendations on the use of boosters for the public after a thorough review of the evidence.
The goal is for people to start receiving a COVID-19 booster shot beginning in the fall, with individuals being eligible starting 8 months after they received their second dose of an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). This is subject to authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendation by ACIP. FDA is conducting an independent evaluation to determine the safety and effectiveness of a booster dose of the mRNA vaccines. ACIP will decide whether to issue a booster dose recommendation based on a thorough review of the evidence.
It is likely that people who received a Johnson & Johnson, Janssen COVID-19 vaccine will need a booster dose. CDC will keep the public informed with a timely plan for J&J/Janssen booster shots.
Monoclonal Antibody (mAB) Therapy Treatments Available Now
Monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death in high-risk patients who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. These treatments are widely available in Florida.
Treatment is free and vaccination status does not matter. If you are 12 years and older and are at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19, you are eligible for this treatment.
In clinical trials, monoclonal antibody treatment showed a 70% reduction in hospitalization and death.
For high-risk patients who have been exposed to someone with COVID19, monoclonal antibody treatment can give you temporary immunity to decrease your odds of catching the infection.
Monoclonal antibody treatment is available at CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, from 9am to 5pm daily.
Updates
Coronavirus cases continue to surge in Florida. The state records an average of 21,000 new infections daily.
Broward County records the highest number of daily COVID hospitalizations in the entire US, an average of 1,500 admissions each day.
New coronavirus testing locations have reopened in the county. Please check www.broward.org or www.sun-sentinel.com for information on new testing sites as well as vaccination locations.
Advisory
The Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of coronavirus that presents a serious risk for infection. The probability of infection from this variant is extremely high for unvaccinated persons. Remaining vigilant against disease transmission is critical. 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; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov; www.sun-sentinel.com
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