Coronavirus Report: November 1, 2021

By Marsha Mullings, MPH

 USA

46 million cases, 749,000 deaths

Florida

3.65 million cases, 59,670 deaths

 Update

*Florida now has the lowest rate of new coronavirus infection in the US. Cases continue to drop sharply here.

*Cases continue to rise in Alaska and Colorado.

Announcements

Booster Shots

The Food and Drug Administration (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 six 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

Although new coronavirus rates have fallen sharply in Florida, 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;