News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 11:00 a.m. September 23
- Positive tests to date: 16,489
- Deaths to date: 225
- View Kitsap Public Health's COVID-19 surveillance report - Disponible en Español
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DATA UPDATE: The rate of new cases reported per 100,000 population over 7 days. Previously, the rate was new cases per 100,000 over 14 days.
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The COVID-19 Bulletin now publishes on an occassional basis. The Bulletin will continue to highlight recovery resources for businesses and families, as well as new guidance from the state, typically once or twice each month. The COVID-19 Weekly Outlook from KPHD will continue to provide the latest public health information on the pandemic. To subscribe to the Weekly Outlook click here and select "COVID-19 updates" under Kitsap Public Health District on the menu.
Now is the time to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Visit Kitsap County Public Health at kcowa.us/vaccine and sign up here for vaccine updates from Kitsap Public Health.
¿Quieres información sobre la vacuna COVID-19? Mira nuestro pagina para mas información de la vacuna y como obtener la vacuna: https://bit.ly/2XVht0W Tambien os puede llamar nuestro linea 360-728-2218
 
Vaccine news
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine are currently available for certain groups of people based on either one's age or work environment. It's purpose is to build protection against the virus as tests have shown that immunity wanes over time. It is available six months after one receives the second dose of the vaccine. Booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are expected to be available soon.
By contrast, a third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine have been recommended for those who are moderately to severely immununocompromised. The additional dose is designed to build extra protections against the disease.
As you consider additional protection against COVID-19 virus, it’s important to talk to your health care provider to find out which is appropriate for you and whether you are eligible. Learn more in this article from Washington State Department of Health: http://spr.ly/6182JK9tu
List of local COVID-19 vaccine providers now available
Kitsap County Health District is now posting a regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County. This list can be found here.
Kitsap drive thru test site now open on Saturdays
The drive thru COVID-19 test sites continue to serve hundreds of Kitsap residents each week at our differtent locations. Begining October 23, testing will be available on Saturdays at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. - noon. Testing at the other three locations open on weekdays are available from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Here is the full list of locations:
- Mondays: Bainbridge Island - Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Dr NE (Closed Oct 25 due to inclement weather)
- Tuesdays: Bremerton - Harborside Parking Garage, 100 Washington Ave.
- Thursdays: Poulsbo - City Hall Parking Garage, 200 Moe St.
- Saturdays: Central Kitsap - Fairgrounds (Sheep Barn), 1200 Fairgrounds Rd NW
Registration is recommended for all locations to guarantee a spot and for faster service. Testing on Wednesdays in South Kitsap has been suspended due to a lack of protection from the wet and colder weather now upon us. For more information, visit kcowa.us/covidtesting. Additionally, Kitsap Public Health District regularly updates the list of local test providers. Questions about test sites? Call 2-1-1.
REPORTING OVER-THE-COUNTER COVID-19 TESTS: People who test themselves at home should report their results to public health by calling the Washington State Department of Health COVID hotline (1-800-525-0127) and follow CDC recommendations for isolation or quarantine.
COVID-19 cases reached high levels, and variants of the virus, like delta, are even more contagious than the original strain. So how exactly are we tracking this?
For many years, Washington state has used a technology called genome sequencing. Genome sequencing is basically a way of mapping the fingerprints (or blueprints) of an organism, or cell. Doctors and scientists use this information to track various diseases and viruses. This is crucial to make predictions (or models) to help keep people safe.
In a recent interview, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases, Dr. Scott Lindquist described how genome sequencing is used to help us uncover important information about viruses, like COVID-19. Lindquist notes that genome sequencing was crucial for learning more about COVID-19. The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has RNA codes that can be read by genome sequencing. Genome sequencing isolates the virus, unpacks the RNA, and maps it out — it goes piece-by-piece and reconstructs the RNA sequence.
Using this technology, Washington scientists determined that over 98 percent of the viruses they’re currently testing are the Delta variant. Linquist also noted that the proportion of positive cases being sequenced here in Washington state ranks among the highest in the nation. To learn more, read the full article on the Washington State Department of Health blog.
Child care grant program announced
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families has announced the Child Care Stabilization grant program. Applications are now available for licensed and certified child care providers and license-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers.
This is a non-competitive funding opportunity designed to stabilize, support, and grow the diverse early learning workforce. Its goal is to build a stronger child care system and expand access to affordable high-quality care. Learn more here.
Vaccine misinformation - learning how to evaluate sources of information
In recent weeks we've looked at some misinformation about vaccines circulating online. This week we will look at the larger issue of spotting misinformation related to COVID-19. Last week's edition of the KPHD COVID-19 Weekly Outlook provided a helpful guide when evaluating the content in an article, research study or social media post. When reading, consider:
The source: Is the source a credible organization that has the appropriate expertise and credibility?
Date published: How long ago was the information published? We learn more about COVID-19 as the pandemic continues. Information evolves. Look for information that is as current as possible.
References: Does the source cite their references? Do the references have appropriate expertise and credibility?
Verification/review process: Was the information reviewed by a medical professional? Are their credentials provided?
For addition information on this subject, read this article from Washington State Department of Health.
Finding a COVID-19 vaccine provider
No matter where you are in Washington, the Vaccine Locator provided by Washington State Department of Health makes it easy to find and schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, a regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County can be found here.
Homebound and need a COVID-19 vaccine?
Fill out a secure online form to let us know if you or someone you know is homebound. Your answers will allow us to connect individuals to available County and/or State Mobile Vaccine Teams.
The Thursday afternoon clinic at Bremerton Saint Michael Medical Center is open to those 12 and older. Register at: https://kphd.timetap.com/#/
Need transportation? If you need transportation assistance to a COVID-19 vaccine site, please call Kitsap Transit's ACCESS service at (360) 479-7272 or (800) 422-2877. To make an appointment for a vaccination, please contact your health-care provider or clinic.
Need help? Call the hotline at 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #. Language assistance is available. You can also text your zip code to 438-829 (GET VAX) or 822-862 (VACUNA) for vaccine locations near you.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at cdc.gov/coronavirus
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