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Thursday, January 6, 2022
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“Now is the best time to get the booster shot or get the primary series if you have not gotten it to protect yourself and your family."
- Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary of the KDHE
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Happy New Year!
Unfortunately as we come back from the holidays, we are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases across Kansas and the U.S., mostly driven by the Omicron variant. With cases increasing, Kansas also continues to report an uptick in hospitalizations. Adult hospitalizations have now surpassed the peak seen in September’s Delta surge, with pediatric hospitalizations also on the rise. With the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreading across our State, it is up to all of us to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. First and foremost, preliminary data shows the vaccines are effective against serious disease, hospitalization, and death due to Omicron, and it is of the utmost importance that Kansans get vaccinated and boosted as soon as they are able. In addition, we need to continue using proven strategies to reduce the spread – masking, testing, and social distancing where possible. Please click here to track COVID-19 trends and here to find KDHE’s weekly summary of local vaccine and testing events.
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From the Wichita Eagle
The Omicron variant now accounts for 95% of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. As reported by the CDC, Omicron is now the prevalent strain in the country as well as in most states. CDC estimates that Omicron is likely responsible for more than 75% of COVID-19 infections in Region 7, which includes Kansas.
What we know about Omicron: While only one month has passed since Omicron was discovered in South Africa, this new variant has spread faster than any other known variant. Scientists and researchers continue to focus on learning more about the characteristics and risks associated to Omicron, and we now have preliminary information to help us better understand and fight this latest strain of COVID-19:
Transmissibility:
Severity:
Vaccine and treatment effectiveness:
- Full vaccination plus a booster shot of mRNA vaccines provide protection against infection with Omicron, however two doses alone do not show the same level of protection
- Vaccines reduce the severity of COVID-19 caused by Omicron. A UK research study found that people who have received the booster are 81% less likely to be hospitalized, compared to unvaccinated individuals. Individuals with two doses are 65% less likely to be admitted to the hospitals
- Preliminary studies show that, in addition to the monoclonal antibody Sotrovimab, the two new antiviral pills authorized by the FDA (Paxlovid and Molnupiravir) are effective against Omicron
How to stay protected: While preliminary data shows Omicron to be milder than other variants, hospitalizations are nonetheless increasing rapidly in Kansas, likely due to increased numbers of Delta and Omicron infections after the holidays. It remains important to keep practicing the preventative measures we know to stop the spread of the virus: masking, testing, and distancing. More importantly, all Kansans should receive the vaccine and booster as soon as they are able, as this continues to be the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
What this means: Following holiday gatherings and travelling, it is more important than ever to mask, distance and get tested to keep our families, coworkers, and communities safe. If you are experiencing any symptoms, visit the KDHE website to find a testing location near you. If you are not yet vaccinated or are eligible to receive a booster, visit vaccines.gov to find where you can get the shot.
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Following the FDA and CDC authorization, the Pfizer booster shot is now available to all Kansans ages 12 and older, 5 months after the completion of their initial Pfizer vaccination series.
Keep yourself and your kids safe by getting boosted!
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From KSN
Pfizer’s Paxlovid COVID-19 antiviral pill is now available to Kansans. As of now, two antiviral pills have been approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA: Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s Molnupiravir pills. These medications help prevent hospitalization of individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID.
Why this matters: Antiviral pills that are taken orally represent an important development in our battle against the virus. While they are not meant to replace vaccines, they will allow individuals to be treated at home – simplifying treatment, reducing healthcare costs, and preserving staff and resource capacity at hospitals. “This authorization provides a new tool to combat COVID-19 at a crucial time in the pandemic as new variants emerge and promises to make antiviral treatment more accessible to patients who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19”, said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
A look at the numbers: Pfizer’s Paxlovid pill was nearly 90% effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths in patients at high risk of severe illness in clinical trials. The U.S. government is now expecting 4 million treatment courses of the pills to be available this month, with 10 million more by June.
What this means: In Kansas, as of this week sixteen Walmart pharmacy locations have received the antiviral Paxlovid medication. The treatment, available by prescription only and to be taken within 5 days of the start of COVID-19 symptoms, will help to treat mild-to-moderate symptoms in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds) who test positive for COVID-19. Find the Kansas locations that received the medication here, and talk to a trusted healthcare professional about your plan if you test positive for COVID-19.
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Thank you for all you do to keep Kansas safe. For more information, check out the COVID-19 County Rankings, KS vaccine data dashboard, and Kansas’s FAQ link. Please share this information with your networks; and again, if I can be of service, please contact me (matthew.lara@ks.gov).
Ad Astra per Aspera,
Matt Lara
Communications Director at Kansas Department of Health and Environment
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