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Stanislaus County Public Health Division
COVID-19 Week in Review offers the latest updates on Stanislaus County data, healthy hints and tips, and answers to subscriber-submitted questions. If this email was forwarded to you and you wish to subscribe, please use the link below.
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Current News & Data
Omicron Variant Detected in California
California Department of Public Health reported its second confirmed case of the omicron COVID-19 variant on Thursday following Wednesday's first case in San Francisco. Both people had recently traveled to South Africa. Stanislaus County Public Health is following the detection of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in the US. As we learn more about how the variant spreads and if it causes more severe disease, practicing safe behaviors and getting vaccinated can help our community stay safe and protected.
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Get Vaccinated, and Get your Booster if you're Eligible: Vaccines are safe, effective, free, and available to everyone 5 and older
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Wear a Mask: Even if you're fully vaccinated, masks offer an extra layer of protection
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Wash your Hands Often: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
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Avoid Crowds: Keep a safe distance of 6 feet away from others
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Stay Home if You Feel Sick: Stay away from others and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
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FDA Committee Meets to Discuss Antiviral Treatment
Earlier this week, the FDA's Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (AMDAC) met to discuss molnupiravir, a new antiviral pill developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. After reviewing all of the data, the AMDAC voted that the benefits of molnupiravir outweighed any known or potential risks; FDA will consider this vote when deciding whether to grant the medication an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
The pill is designed to help treat COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk of severe disease or getting hospitalized. Studies show that the treatment can reduce the risk of severe disease or hospitalization by 30% in these high-risk adults. Stanislaus County Public Health will keep the community updated as the EUA process continues.
This Week's Data
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 Stanislaus County wishes everyone a safe and happy Hanukkah! If you're gathering with loved ones, follow these tips for a safer holiday:
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Get Vaccinated: Get vaccinated and make sure your guests are too for a safe holiday.
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Travel Safely: Keep your distance from others and wash your hands often. Masks are required on all public transportation and transportation hubs.
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Increase Ventilation: Crack open windows and set your fans and HVAC system to "on" instead of "auto" to increase airflow through your house.
On Monday, November 29, CDC strengthened their booster recommendations.
If you received the Pfizer (Comirnaty) or Moderna vaccines, you should get a booster if you:
- Are aged 18 or older AND
- Received your first 2 doses at least 6 months ago
- For example, if you received your 2nd dose on June 3, you are eligible for your booster on December 3.
If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should get a booster if you:
- Are aged 18 or older AND
- Received your first dose at least 2 months ago
- For example, if you received your first dose on October 3, you are eligible for your booster on December 3.
It's never too late to receive your booster, even if its been longer than the recommended 6 or 2 months. Getting your booster can provide increased protection for you and those around you as we head into the winter months and gather with loved ones for holidays.
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COVID-19 Q&A
Q: Will COVID-19 testing sites be open on Christmas and New Year?
COVID-19 Testing sites will have modified hours around Christmas and New Year:
- December 24: 7am-1pm
- December 25: Closed
- December 31: 7am-1pm
- January 1: Closed
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Q: I lost my COVID-19 Vaccination Card. How can I get a replacement?
You can request a replacement vaccination card by calling the COVID-19 Call Center at (209) 558-7535
You can also request a digital version of your vaccine card by visiting myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
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Each week Stanislaus County Department of Public Health will answer the top questions from our community members. Please use the link below to ask your question for the next newsletter.
These questions will not be individually responded to. If you have questions for Public Health that need a quicker reply, please call (209) 558-7535.
We cannot give medical advice. If you have questions regarding your health, we recommend that you talk to your doctor.
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