COVID-19 Update
Dallas County has an estimated COVID-19 case rate of 66 new cases per 100,000 people in the last week. This an increase from last week, however the case rate remains well below the surge from last winter as well as rates from this time last year.
We continue to encourage frequent handwashing and staying home when you are sick. Those at increased risk of severe illness should talk with their healthcare provider about masking recommendations and other precautions.
Omicron continues to be the primary variant infecting Dallas County residents. Individuals that are up-to-date, meaning that they have received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, are less likely to have severe illness or need hospitalization if infected compared to those that are unvaccinated or not up-to-date. You are considered up-to-date after your first booster dose. Some folks may be eligible for a second due to their risk of severe illness.
The current COVID-19 vaccination recommendations are dependent on age and health status. The following guidelines are based on mRNA vaccines. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about which/how many doses are recommended for you.
Individuals 12 years and older with an immunocompromising health condition:
• Primary series: 3 doses
• Booster: 2 doses
• Total shots: 5
Adults age 50 years and older:
• Primary series: 2 doses
• Booster: 2 doses
• Total shots: 4
Individuals age 12-49:
• Primary series: 2 doses
• Booster: 1 dose
• Total shots: 3
Youth age 5-11:
• Primary series: 2 doses
• Booster: not yet eligible
• Total shots: 2
CHA/CHIP Update
Throughout March, we collected additional information from Dallas County community partners about which of the identified areas for health improvement from the Regional Community Health Assessment were most relevant for Dallas County and important to the folks that live or work here. These selected health improvement areas will be the focus of our 2023-2025 Dallas County Health Improvement Plan.
The top five health improvement priorities are:
- Access to Care
- Mental Health
- Nutrition, Physical Activity, & Weight
- Heart Disease & Stroke
- Substance Abuse
More details about how each of us can play a role in addressing these priorities will be coming soon in our 2023-2025 Health Improvement Plan.
If your agency or community group would like a more detailed presentation or discussion about the findings of this assessment and prioritization process, please reach out to me and we can get something scheduled.
In Other News
Summer will be here before you know it! If you are hosting a spring/summer event and would like the Health Department to participate, please reach out to me ASAP so we can get it on our calendar. We are able to provide activities and an information table with various public health promotional materials topics such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.
Our Health Navigation team is assisting Aging Resources of Central Iowa with sign up for the Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program. This program provides income eligible older adults (60 year+) with financial access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. If you would like to talk to a navigator about registering for this program, please call 515-993-3750. Checks will be available in June.
Lastly, May is Mental Health Month and a great time to explore the many upcoming events related to mental health. It is also a great time to review the Surgeon General's Advisory on Youth Mental Health. It is full of great action items for individuals, families, community partners, and organizations!
Abigail Chihak, MSW, MPH
Community Health Administrator
abigail.chihak@dallascountyiowa.gov
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