RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter 09.13.22

Welcome to the

Roanoke City & Alleghany

Health Districts

Newsletter

09.13.22

Health updates for residents of the

Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)

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NEW!

Bivalent

COVID-19

Booster Doses

Earlier this month, an updated booster formula aimed at the currently dominant BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants was authorized for use against COVID-19.

Updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against the virus and address waning vaccine effectiveness over time.

The bivalent booster vaccine is now available at many pharmacies (find a location near you) and doctors' offices.
Individuals may also schedule an appointment at a RCAHD clinic using the VASE+ appointment system.

The vaccine is FREE and available to everyone over age 12 as long as at least two months have passed since the last dose of COVID-19 vaccine. People between 12-18 years old are eligible for Pfizer's booster, and people over age 18 could choose either Pfizer or Moderna. Those who are 50 and older, and those who are immune-compromised are expressly encouraged to get their new booster dose.

Looking for a dose this week? Visit a pharmacy or schedule yourself for a RCAHD clinic at one of these locations, or an upcoming clinic in future weeks:

Alert: RCAHD recently confirmed that two wild animals have been confirmed for rabies in our area:

- A fox was confirmed positive on 9/9/22 near Crescent Boulevard and Starkey Road in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke, 24018.

- A skunk was confirmed positive on 9/7/22 near Blacksburg Road and Catawba Road in Troutville, 24175.

Virginia law requires pet owners to maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats that are older than four months. In addition, citizens should not approach or touch wild animals, and should report any abnormal behavior involving wild animals. All animal bites and rabies exposures from wild and domestic animals must be reported to the RCAHD Environmental Health Division (540) 204-9928.

AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
REPORT an animal that is acting strangely.
VACCINATE all your dogs, cats and ferrets, and keep their vaccinations current.
CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed, and your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed.

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RCAHD COVID-19 Situation Update

09/13/22

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COVID-19 activity continues at an elevated yet stable level of transmission, but hospitalizations have decreased since last week.

The newly reformulated boosters for people above the age of 12 are available at pharmacies, and at local health department clinics. They are strongly encouraged for those over age 50 and for those who are immune-compromised.

RCAHD continues to receive increased reports of both insect-borne diseases. RCAHD will continue surveillance and prevention efforts, and residents should take increased measures to protect themselves and limit exposure to infection.