Harrison County changes to red
After nearly two months of being an orange designation with regard to COVID-19, Harrison County moved up into the red classification based on data. Red is the highest of the four designations (blue is the lowest followed by yellow, orange and then red). Designations are updated by the Indiana Dept. of Health on Wednesdays.
The number of positive COVID cases increased by 109 in Harrison County, up to 6,137, since last week. There have been 24,485 people tested for the virus, up from 24,135 a week ago. The state health department shows that 89 county residents have died from the virus. Statewide, there have been 15,069 deaths, an increase of 304 in the last week, with an additional 492 deaths likely as a result of the virus.
Harrison County has 17,683 residents considered to be fully vaccinated, up 240 since last week. The number of Hoosiers fully vaccinated has reached 3,254,662, an increase of 33,104 within the past week.
Booster vaccines are being given to those who received the Pfizer vaccine. Individuals who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not eligible at this time.
The Harrison County Health Dept. gave vaccine boosters Monday and yesterday (Tuesday) and will do so again tomorrow.
A “booster dose” refers to another dose of vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination but then that protection decreased over time (this is called waning immunity).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued Pfizer booster eligibility guidance. Based on those recommendations the CDC, the Indiana Dept. of Health and the Harrison County Health Dept. support the administration of Pfizer vaccine booster dose to:
People 18 and older.
Those who received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as their primary series.
Persons at least six months after their second dose.
Those who attest to meeting CDC guidelines as outlined below.
The CDC recommends the following eligible individuals:
Persons who are 65 and older and long-term care facility residents.
Persons age 50 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions.
Individuals age 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions.
Persons 18 to 64 who are at increased risk of exposure and transmission due to occupational or institutional settings (health care workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff, teachers, support staff, daycare workers, food and agriculture workers, manufacturing workers, corrections workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, public transit workers, grocery store workers, etc.)
The Harrison County Health Dept. drive-thru vaccination clinic will be open tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at First Capital Christian Church, 305 Oliver St. in Corydon. Persons must register online at ourshot.in.gov for an appointment. The Pfizer vaccine will be given free of charge. Persons are to bring their COVID-19 vaccination cards with them and wear a mask.
Also available at the vaccination clinic is the influenza vaccine. The high-dose flu vaccine is $55, while the regular flu vaccine is $20. Cash, check or traditional Medicare cards only will be accepted for the influenza vaccine.
Gravity Diagnostics now offers free COVID-19 testing in Corydon for persons of all ages.
Testing takes place Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on government holidays) at the May & Joe Rhoads Memorial Pool, 2150 Poolside Drive, Corydon. No appointment is necessary. However, patrons are required to wear a face mask to this site.
Funding for this testing site is provided by the Indiana Dept. of Health.
