Vaccines - Get your Booster Shot!
Calling all BRHD community members! Are you still unboosted? Make an appointment or walk in at the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) in Seminole Square for a free COVID-19 booster vaccine before they close on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Starting this Tuesday, March 1, the CVC hours will shift to Tuesday-Saturday from 8:00am- 4:00pm. Visit the BRHD COVID-19 vaccine page for more information or to schedule your appointment.
Boosters have been proven to strengthen your immune system’s ability to fight the SARS-COV-2 virus, and help keep you healthy while engaging in daily activities. Read more in last week’s newsletter about the effectiveness of booster shots. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get their booster now.
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CDC Updates Vaccination Status Definitions
On January 16, 2022, CDC updated their definitions of vaccination status. You are considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after the completion of your primary vaccine series (either 2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson). You are considered “up to date” or “boosted” after receiving any brand of booster dose. If you received Pfizer or Moderna for your primary series, you are eligible for a booster dose 5 months after the second dose. If you received J&J, booster eligibility begins 2 months following your initial vaccination.
Similar to other vaccines, like TDAP where you receive an initial vaccine and a booster dose later, staying up to date is the best way to protect yourself from the risks and negative health effects of COVID-19 infection. To read more from the CDC on how to determine your vaccination status, visit their vaccination page.
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Testing
The Blue Ridge Community Testing Center (CTC) located at Pantops Shopping Center will end operations on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Until then, the site continues to offer free COVID-19 testing for ages 3 months and older every Saturday through Tuesday, by appointment and walk-ins. Routine COVID-19 testing will continue to be available throughout the community, and the schedule for March will be updated with upcoming sites on the BRHD COVID-19 testing webpage.
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Abbott, the infant formula manufacturer that is provided through Virginia Women, Infants and Children (WIC), announced a proactive, voluntary recall of some powdered Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare infant formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. Virginia WIC is working to notify participating WIC families of this recall.
The powdered formula products included in this recall have the expiration date of April 1, 2022 or later and are:
- 12.6 oz Similac Total Comfort
- 12.5 oz Similac for Spit Up
- all EleCare Infant and Junior
- all Similac Alimentum.
The powdered formula products that might be included in this recall are:
- 12.5 oz Similac Sensitive
- 12.4 oz Similac Advance.
Do not use Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formulas if they meet all three of these conditions:
- Check the lot number and expiration date on the bottom of the can to determine if the 12.5 oz Similac Sensitive or 12.4 oz Similac Advance cans are included in this recall. The first two digits of the included lot numbers are 22 through 37.
- The code on the container will contain K8, SH, or Z2.
- The expiration or use-by date will be April 1, 2022 or later.
If the formula container does not include all three of these conditions, then it is not affected by the recall and is safe to continue using. To check if the lot number is included in the recall, visit the website set up for this recall.
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STI Rates are Rising in Virginia |
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Sexual health is a critical component of our overall health. When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), routine screenings are an important part of staying as healthy as possible, while also maintaining the health of our partner(s).
Rates of STIs have continued to increase both nationally and locally over the last few years. From 2010-2021, rates of STIs in Virginia have risen quite a bit:
- Early syphilis is up 144%
- Chlamydia has risen 18%
- Gonorrhea has increased by 85%
From 2009-2021, congenital syphilis cases among infants under 1 year old are up 533% in Virginia.
While these infections are treatable, permanent damage and even death can occur if a person does not receive treatment soon enough. Therefore, early detection is key to staying as healthy as possible!
Test & Go is a special clinic that offers free, fast, and confidential STI screenings on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 4:30-6:00pm. No appointments are needed for this clinic, held at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Drive, Door 1). For more information, call 434-972-6269.
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Free, Virtual Classes to Help You Quit Tobacco |
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There is no shortage of stress these days and for many tobacco and nicotine users, stress is a trigger to smoke, dip, or vape. Nicotine is a mood-altering drug that tricks the brain into thinking it has a calming effect. In reality, however, nicotine raises stress levels and leaves the body feeling worse than before the initial rush of nicotine.
Another side effect that is currently important to note? The use of tobacco increases the likelihood of more severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Tobacco use lowers the lungs’ ability to fight off and heal from infection and disease.
While the journey to get there is often challenging, quitting tobacco actually reduces stress in the long-term, and, especially during a pandemic, helps improve overall health outcomes. Join the Tobacco Free Community Coalition for free, virtual Quit Smoking classes to learn more about how you can quit using tobacco and nicotine products successfully! These groups are informative and supportive, and can help you successfully quit smoking or using tobacco products. Register in advance by emailing facilitator Scott Mein or calling 862-432-0490.
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Each week, we introduce you to one of our Health District Heroes so you can get to know the people working to keep you safe and healthy every day. This week, meet Melissa Barbour, Office Services Specialist in Fluvanna County.
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since August 2017
What is your job?
We do a little of everything on the OSS team! A lot of what we do involves things like office services, giving resources to members of the community, registering WIC Program clients, and providing clinical services information to clients of BRHD. We are the voices you hear when you call and the first faces you see when you visit!
Who are you outside of BRHD?
I love to travel and take spontaneous road trips with my husband and siblings. I'm a huge music lover! Before BRHD, I worked in assisted living as Director of Administrative Services and performed UAIs (Uniform Assessment Instruments)for admission to an assisted living facility. I love to laugh and smile and care for others!
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Vaccination is only one tool to end the pandemic. We need to use them all in order to return to normal day-to-day activities:
Wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.
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