September 10th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Health Department has announced that it is now offering the recently-approved Moderna and Pfizer updated COVID-19 booster vaccines at their COVID vaccination clinics.   The updated booster dose is a bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases. The bivalent vaccine is approved for emergency use as a single booster following completion of the primary vaccine series (Moderna or Pfizer 2 shots, or a single Johnson and Johnson or Novavax), or a single booster if it has been at least 2 months since your most recent booster.

 

To stay up-to-date on vaccinations the CDC recommends an updated booster dose at least 2 months after an individual’s last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is authorized for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s is authorized for adults 18 and older.  As new variants of the virus emerge, updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against COVID-19.

 

Anticipating high demand for the new boosters, the health department has announced a special clinic specifically for Moderna and Pfizer boosters to be held on Friday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland.  The ACHD also offers both primary and booster COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesdays at the health department.  Vaccinations for ages 12 and older are available from 9 a.m. to noon.  Vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 are offered from 3 to 4:30 p.m.  Appointments are required for all COVID-19 vaccination clinics.  

 

Free drive-thru testing continues at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, 11400 Moss Avenue, Cumberland on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 

 

ALLEGANY COUNTY COVID-19 DATA AS OF SEPTEMBER 8:

 

• CDC COVID-19 Community Level:  High
• Percent of Allegany County Population Fully Vaccinated (based on CDC data):  56.5%
• New COVID Cases This Week: 151 (cumulative total 19,745)
• Additional Deaths This Week: 3  (cumulative total 377)
• Cases Per 100,000 People: 30.63 (Maryland: 14.86)
• Positivity Rate: 14.83% (Maryland: 10.03%)