New River Valley COVID-19 and Vaccine Update

There continues to be significant news and discussion about the Delta variant in our region and across the country. Here’s what we know:

Delta Variant in the NRV
Our region, as expected, continues to face our Delta surge. We expect this surge to peak locally by the end of the month, then we expect to see declining numbers of new cases throughout September.

Because the Delta variant is so contagious, it runs through the bulk of our unvaccinated population quickly. This may make it our last big surge, due to vaccines and infection induced immunity.

COVID-19 is spreading much more among our unvaccinated populations, including those under 12 who are not yet able to be vaccinated. Our vaccination rate among those 12-18 years old is also not high. The unvaccinated, including our children, are our most vulnerable populations.

Vaccinations in the NRV
The surge has triggered more people to get vaccinated. Our local pharmacies report that they are seeing twice the number of people requesting vaccines than last week.

Additionally, the FDA has fully approved the Pfizer vaccine. We hope this will reassure those concerned about it being experimental, and encourage them to get vaccinated.

You can get vaccinated at local pharmacies, through the health department, and we are working with many doctor’s offices. See our webpage for where to get vaccinated. There are plenty of vaccines and places to get one.

Vaccine events this week:
• Friday we will have a team at the Radford University club fair from 1–4.
• Saturday there is a clinic at the Moose Lodge in Christiansburg from 3–5.

Booster shots
Booster shots are not yet available. We expect the FDA and CDC to recommend boosters 6-8 months after the second shot, but they are not yet officially recommended or available.

We have started offering third shots to immunocompromised individuals: those being treated for cancer, those with organ or stem cell transplants, HIV, chronic renal failure, or immunosuppression.

Testing
Testing is available through Walgreens, CVS, MedExpress, Alliance Express, pediatrician’s offices, and the health department. See our website for where to get tested.

If you test positive, please make sure to notify your primary care physician.

How to protect yourself and your family
The best protection is to get vaccinated if you are eligible. We also encourage additional mitigation strategies during this surge. Wear a mask indoors, avoid crowds, close contact, and closed & confined places.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is available locally
Anyone who tests positive for COVID and has a high risk of bad outcomes, including people who are obese, have heart disease, lung disease, or underlying medical conditions can benefit from the monoclonal antibody treatment. If the treatment is given in the first 10 days after onset of symptoms or positive test, it can prevent hospitalizations or decline. Please contact the Health department or your primary care physician if you have any questions.