There are a reported five hotspots for the COVID-19 Delta variant in the United States, in Florida, Louisianna, Nevada, Arkansas and Missouri. Healthcare officials from around the country, however, are watching and learning about this most prevalent strain as well. Director of Carroll County Public Health (CCPH), Nikki Schwering, says there is one group of residents most at-risk for this more communicable and more severe form of COVID.
Schwering says the current vaccination rate in Carroll County is just shy of 50 percent. However, the state calculates this based on the total population and does not exclude those ineligible to get a vaccination; such as children under 12. She says this brings the actual countywide vaccination rate up considerably. Schwering adds it is important for everyone to understand that as the virus changes, so too do some of the symptoms associated with it and the severity.
Schwering says they are being told by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) the Delta variant is so widespread now that if the county has any positive cases, they should just assume it is this strain. The current efficacy of the available COVID-19 vaccinations is around 95 percent effective against the Delta variant, but that is only if the individual has completed both shots with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. If only one shot was administered, she says the protection rate drops to around 50 percent. Initially, it was believed that those who missed the prescribed window for the second shot had to start over. This is not necessarily the case now.
There is also new information about those who did not get vaccinated because they had COVID and believe they are protected against getting it again. Schwering says it can actually depend on the severity of the case.
Schwering also says that it is highly likely that Moderna and Johnson and Johnson are working on trials for boosters, much like Pfizer is. She adds this had been a consideration from the onset, that like the flu shot, boosters may be needed as time goes on. She urges anyone on the fence about getting vaccinated to talk to their healthcare provider and do their research utilizing trusted medical sources. Vaccines are widely available at area drug stores and with any healthcare provider. Distribution of home testing kits will begin at the end of this week and are available through Carroll County Public Health. The full interview with Schwering can be found with this story on our website.
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Full interview with CCPH Director, Nikki Schwering:
https://www.1380kcim.com/episode/kcim-interview-nikki-schwering-carroll-county-public-health-director/
