COVID-19 Weekly Outlook newsletter from Kitsap Public Health

Oct. 29, 2021

This newsletter is produced weekly. For daily COVID-19 updates, go to kcowa.us/covid19 or sign up to receive the bulletin produced by the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center. You can manage your subscriptions using the links at the very bottom of this bulletin.

75% of eligible Kitsap residents have received a COVID-19 vaccine; shots for kids 5-11 expected soon

• Kitsap County reached a vaccination milestone this week, with more than 75% of residents 12 or older having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of Oct. 26. That amounts to 175,500 residents initiating vaccination to date. We are making progress as a community, but we still have work to do to increase immunity across all age groups. Vaccination rates remain lowest among adults younger than 35, with about 60% initiating vaccination so far. Find more detailed data at kcowa.us/covid19data. 
• The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine could be authorized for children ages 5-11 next week. An FDA panel recommended authorization for 5-11-year-olds on Tuesday. The CDC is expected to make its recommendation early next week, followed by additional review and authorization at the state level. We will share information about local vaccination opportunities for this age group as details are confirmed. 
• Not sure if you need a booster shot? Confused about third doses vs. booster doses? You are not alone! We posted a booster shot flow chart and updated infographic to help patients navigate all the new recommendations. Find additional guidance at covidvaccinewa.org.

• Kitsap Public Health District vaccination clinics were busy this week, with more patients seeking booster doses. Due to increased demand, we are making changes to our clinic at Bremerton St. Michael Medical Center:
  
  • Beginning next week, we will require appointments for booster shots. This does not apply to pop-up clinics that are walk-up only. 
  • We will continue offering walk-up appointments for patients who are not yet fully vaccinated and need primary doses, and for immunocompromised patients who need third doses.
  • Go to kcowa.us/vaccine for a calendar of upcoming clinics. Book an appointment at kphd.timetap.com.
  • Other providers may have appointments available. Find a list at kcowa.us/vaccine.
    
• Have a safe and happy Halloween! Please keep in mind that COVID-19 activity remains high in our county and take precautions to keep your family healthy. The state Department of Health posted a handy guide for celebrating safely.

PRINTABLE WEEKLY OUTLOOK Download our weekly outlook report as a PDF that you can print and share in your community. Thank you for spreading reliable information about COVID-19! Looking for an image file to share? Click here.

Numbers to know

• As of Oct. 26, 75.3% of Kitsap residents 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 69.5% are fully vaccinated. More than 175,500 Kitsap residents have received at least one dose of vaccine. Statewide, 78.6% of Washingtonians 12 or older have received at least on dose of vaccine and 72.5% are fully vaccinated.
• 405 COVID-19 cases were reported in our county in the most recent week with full data available (week ending Oct. 23): 15 cases on Bainbridge Island, 91 cases in Bremerton, 79 in Central Kitsap, 85 in North Kitsap, and 135 in South Kitsap.
• Kitsap County's rate of cases per 100,000 population over 7 days was 146 as of Oct. 29. The rate of cases reported in Kitsap has decreased substantially since mid-September, but COVID-19 transmission remains at a "high" level in our area, per the CDC.
• For the week ending Oct. 23, there were 35 new Kitsap resident COVID-19 hospitalizations; there were 28 the week prior.
• 236 Kitsap resident COVID-19-associated deaths have been reported to date. 
• Find more local COVID-19 data at kcowa.us/covid19data

SPOTTING COVID-19 MISINFORMATION

There is a lot of conflicting and inaccurate information circulating about COVID-19. How do you know what information is accurate and which information sources to trust?

When reading an article, research study, social media post, or other writing, 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 more tips, visit the Immunization Action Coalition's Evaluating Health Information Online webpage.

Do your part to the stop the spread of rumors by doing three simple things:

1. Find trusted sources of information.
2. Share information from trusted sources.
3. Discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources.

Some of the best sources of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine information are:

• Washington State Department of Health including their "Busting Vaccine Myths" webpage
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including their COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ page
• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
• American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children webpage

For more on misinformation, check out:

• Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on
  Building a Healthy Information Environment
• University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org