By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA 43 million cases, 694,000 deaths
Florida* 3.5 million cases, 53,580 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, September 17 – September 23.
Announcement
Booster Shots
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the following groups should receive a booster shot of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completing their first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine:
- people aged 65 years and older.
- residents aged 18 years and older in long-term care settings.
- people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions.
CDC also recommends that the following groups may receive a booster shot of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completion of their Pfizer vaccine series, based on their individual benefits and risks:
- people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions.
- people aged 18–64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.
These recommendations only apply to people who previously received a Pfizer primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine).
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment (mAB)
Monoclonal Antibody (mAB) therapy treatments are now available for free to all Floridians 12 and over who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19, and who are at high risk for severe illness. There are three treatments sites in South Florida:
- CB Smith Park, Pembroke Pines
- Tropical Park, Miami
- West Gate Park, West Palm Beach
Treatment is administered daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Advisory
Ivermectin is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription medication used to treat certain infections caused by internal and external parasites. When used as prescribed for approved indications, it is generally safe and well tolerated.
Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. There are currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19.
Ivermectin formulated for large animal use (horses and cows) should not be used as prevention or treatment for COVID-19.
COVID-19 continues to be a serious health crisis. 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;
