Alliance - Beginning Friday, October 22, Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) will implement changes to the temporary visitor policy put in place.

Due to the continued community-related COVID-19 exposures, and in an effort to protect patients, visitors and staff, we have revised our visitor policy for the Emergency Room and Inpatient (PCU) departments. There will be no visitors permitted for COVID-19 patients and one designated adult visitor for non-COVID-19 patients.

Patients with an appointment at the Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services (GNMSS) clinic, rehab, radiology, laboratory, and specialty clinic may have one adult and up to two children and one infant six months of age or younger accompany them. Children may not be left unattended in waiting rooms.

There are no changes to the Wellness Center.

The health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors is a top priority at BBGH. We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends is to patients during their hospital stay. However, COVID-19 requires us to temporarily adjust our visitor policy in order to keep our patients, staff, and visitors safe from infection.

We continue to implement vigorous policies and procedures to address COVID-19 and are following all governmental recommendations as well. If you have any questions about the updated visitor policy, please ask a member of the patient’s healthcare team. Thank you for your understanding and for adhering to these policies to help us keep our patients, families, staff, and visitors protected and healthy during this time.

Alliance - Beginning Friday, October 22, Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) will implement changes to the temporary visitor policy put in place.Due to the continued community-related COVID-19 exposures, and in an effort to protect patients, visitors and staff, we have revised our visitor policy for the Emergency Room and Inpatient (PCU) departments. There will be no visitors permitted for COVID-19 patients and one designated adult visitor for non-COVID-19 patients.Patients with an appointment at the Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services (GNMSS) clinic, rehab, radiology, laboratory, and specialty clinic may have one adult and up to two children and one infant six months of age or younger accompany them. Children may not be left unattended in waiting rooms.There are no changes to the Wellness Center.The health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors is a top priority at BBGH. We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends is to patients during their hospital stay. However, COVID-19 requires us to temporarily adjust our visitor policy in order to keep our patients, staff, and visitors safe from infection.We continue to implement vigorous policies and procedures to address COVID-19 and are following all governmental recommendations as well. If you have any questions about the updated visitor policy, please ask a member of the patient’s healthcare team. Thank you for your understanding and for adhering to these policies to help us keep our patients, families, staff, and visitors protected and healthy during this time.

Box Butte General Hospital updates virus visitor policy 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.

Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.

The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.

“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”

There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.

Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.

As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.

The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.

“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.

She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.

About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.

And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.

Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.

“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.

But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.

Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634854349255.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses." />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qoqia5YkwHc?start=24501" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.___

🎥 COVID-19 vaccine: CDC panel backs expanded booster rollout

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.

The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.

The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.

Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.

For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.

The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.

FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.

Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.

The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.

Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.

“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.

FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.

Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.

FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.

“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.

In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.

On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rou7tf4vaUU?start=414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.___

🎥 FDA answers questions after approval to mix COVID vaccines

Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson boosters are now awaiting final decision from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The FDA approved the boosters late last week. Residents will be notified when available in the Panhandle.

Moderna and Pfizer: Additional Dose (28 days)

A new, free COVID testing opportunity for symptomatic and asymptomatic residents will be available at Chadron Community Hospital beginning Thursday, October 21. This will be accessible Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm. Appointments are encouraged at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/3z8jwsy5" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/3z8jwsy5</a>.

Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For anyone age 12 and older, please get vaccinated. COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle and there is no charge for the vaccine.

If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, please call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.

People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Unified Command confirms 323 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 11.

By PPHDModerna and Johnson &amp; Johnson boosters are now awaiting final decision from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The FDA approved the boosters late last week. Residents will be notified when available in the Panhandle.Booster? Is it right for you?Moderna and Pfizer: Additional Dose (28 days)<ul>
 <li>Moderately to severely immunocompromised</li>
 </ul>Pfizer: Booster (six months)<ul>
 <li>65+ years</li><li>Long term care residents</li><li>50-64 years at high risk for severe disease</li><li>18-49 years at high risk for severe disease are recommended to weigh their individual benefits with risks</li><li>Persons at high risk for occupational exposure including frontline workers (teachers, healthcare)</li>
 </ul>A new, free COVID testing opportunity for symptomatic and asymptomatic residents will be available at Chadron Community Hospital beginning Thursday, October 21. This will be accessible Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm. Appointments are encouraged at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/3z8jwsy5" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/3z8jwsy5</a>.Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For anyone age 12 and older, please get vaccinated. COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle and there is no charge for the vaccine.<ul>
 <li><a>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM</li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>During COVID clinic hours visit&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;for days and hours</li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM</li><li>Garden: To schedule an appointment visit&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;- provider will call you</li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM</li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM</li><li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM</li><li>Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM</li>
 </ul>If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, please call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>. Unified Command confirms 323 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 11.<figure>
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PPHD: 323 more virus cases reported in Panhandle

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases and hospitalizations improved slightly in Nebraska again last week but they remain at an elevated level that is straining the state’s hospitals.

 Nebraska reported 4,534 cases in the week that ended on Friday, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that is down about 5% from the 4.775 cases Nebraska reported the week before. 

The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state averaged around 400 a day last week, which was down from 415 a day in the previous week.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases and hospitalizations improved slightly in Nebraska again last week but they remain at an elevated level that is straining the state’s hospitals. Nebraska reported 4,534 cases in the week that ended on Friday, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Omaha World-Herald reports that is down about 5% from the 4.775 cases Nebraska reported the week before. The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state averaged around 400 a day last week, which was down from 415 a day in the previous week.

Nebraska virus numbers improve slightly but remain elevated

As COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in the Panhandle, residents are encouraged to take important COVID precautions by avoiding the three Cs:

Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others

Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with

Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation

If you are confirmed positive for COVID, don’t wait to talk to your healthcare provider about getting the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment. This is most effective when done by day 5 from symptoms starting and before symptoms increase in severity. It is proven to have a 70% reduction in hospitalization and improved symptoms.

Box Butte/Grant: https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu | safeway.com

Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)

Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM

Cheyenne/Deuel: https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p | walmart.com | safeway.com

During COVID clinic hours visit https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p for days and hours

Dawes/Sioux: https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn | walmart.com | safeway.com

Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Garden: To schedule an appointment visit vaccinate.ne.gov - provider will call you

Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM

Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM

Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM

Scotts Bluff/Banner: https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p | walmart.com | safeway.com | walgreens.com

Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM

Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM

People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu.

Unified Command confirms 441 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 11.

Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html" target="_blank">http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html</a>.

The Panhandle COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The state COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf</a>. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

By PPHDAs COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in the Panhandle, residents are encouraged to take important COVID precautions by avoiding the three Cs:Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from othersAvoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live withAvoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilationIf you are confirmed positive for COVID, don’t wait to talk to your healthcare provider about getting the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment. This is most effective when done by day 5 from symptoms starting and before symptoms increase in severity. It is proven to have a 70% reduction in hospitalization and improved symptoms.Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For anyone age 12 and older, please get vaccinated. COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle and there is no charge for the vaccine.Box Butte/Grant: https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu | safeway.comWalk-ins welcomeDave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PMCheyenne/Deuel: https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p | walmart.com | safeway.comWalk-ins welcomeDuring COVID clinic hours visit https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p for days and hoursDawes/Sioux: https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn | walmart.com | safeway.comWalk-ins welcomeWestern Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMGarden: To schedule an appointment visit vaccinate.ne.gov - provider will call youWalk-ins welcomeRegional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PMKimball: https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrsWalk-ins welcomeKimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PMMorrill: https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvummWalk-ins welcomeMorrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PMSheridan: https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38Walk-ins welcomeGordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AMScotts Bluff/Banner: https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p | walmart.com | safeway.com | walgreens.comWalk-ins welcomeGering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PMScottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PMIf you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, please call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu.Unified Command confirms 441 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633996015101.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>March 2, 2020-October 11, 2021<ul>
 <li>Positive: 11,961</li><li>Last week’s cases: (cases/100,000): 382.5</li><li>Last week’s cases: 330</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 13.9%</li><li>Deaths: 204</li><li>Deaths Pending Verification: 12</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 34</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 644</li>
 </ul>Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html" target="_blank">http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html</a>.The Panhandle COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The state COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf</a>. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.<figure>
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PPHD: Virus cases, hospitalizations continue to increase in Panhandle 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say a Nebraska inmate who had tested positive for COVID-19 has died. 

The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said the inmate died Friday at an Omaha hospital.

 He's the second Nebraska inmate with COVID-19 to die this week. 

The department said that the name of the inmate, who was in his 30s, will not be released. 

He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in Douglas County.

 Another inmate in his 40s died Tuesday after testing positive for the virus, officials said. 

The exact cause of death for either inmate hadn’t been determined, but as is the case whenever an inmate dies in custody, a grand jury will conduct an investigation.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say a Nebraska inmate who had tested positive for COVID-19 has died. The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said the inmate died Friday at an Omaha hospital. He's the second Nebraska inmate with COVID-19 to die this week. The department said that the name of the inmate, who was in his 30s, will not be released. He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in Douglas County. Another inmate in his 40s died Tuesday after testing positive for the virus, officials said. The exact cause of death for either inmate hadn’t been determined, but as is the case whenever an inmate dies in custody, a grand jury will conduct an investigation.

Inmate with COVID-19 dies at hospital; 2nd in a week

HOLDREGE, Neb. (AP) — BD has completed an expansion at one of its Nebraska plants that will help the company continue providing hundreds of millions of needles and syringes to the U.S. government to help with the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. 

The company said Thursday that the $70 million expansion of production lines at its plant in Holdrege was completed with the help of a $42 million investment from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 Dawn O’Connell who is HHS’s Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, said having a ready supply of domestically manufactured needles and syringes has been critical to the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

HOLDREGE, Neb. (AP) — BD has completed an expansion at one of its Nebraska plants that will help the company continue providing hundreds of millions of needles and syringes to the U.S. government to help with the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The company said Thursday that the $70 million expansion of production lines at its plant in Holdrege was completed with the help of a $42 million investment from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dawn O’Connell who is HHS’s Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, said having a ready supply of domestically manufactured needles and syringes has been critical to the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Nebraska syringe plant ups production to help with vaccine

Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.

Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.

Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.

One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country

“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.

“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.

Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.

If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: We and <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> officially submitted our request to <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine in children 5 to &lt;12. <a href="https://t.co/72Z2HXlkOx">pic.twitter.com/72Z2HXlkOx</a>&mdash; Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1446082946335715334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.___

Pfizer asks US to allow COVID shots for kids ages 5 to 11

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases and hospitalizations in the state appear to be leveling out at an elevated level in recent weeks. 

Data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the state reported 4,775 new cases for the week that ended Friday. 

That was just above the 4.676 cases reported the previous week but significantly below the roughly 5,300 cases per week the state tallied during the three previous weeks. 

The number of virus hospitalizations averaged 415 a day over the past week, which was down slightly from 421 the previous week.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases and hospitalizations in the state appear to be leveling out at an elevated level in recent weeks. Data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the state reported 4,775 new cases for the week that ended Friday. That was just above the 4.676 cases reported the previous week but significantly below the roughly 5,300 cases per week the state tallied during the three previous weeks. The number of virus hospitalizations averaged 415 a day over the past week, which was down slightly from 421 the previous week.

Nebraska virus cases, hospitalizations leveling off

CHADRON ― Chadron Community Hospital is updating visitor guidelines in response to increased cases of COVID‐19 in the region. 

To protect the safety of patients and staff, Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services will limit patients to one visitor, effective immediately.  Visitation is not allowed for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID‐19. In addition, emergency department visitation is at the discretion of the ED provider. 

At Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services, we are practicing universal masking. Upon arrival, patients and visitors will be screened and given a face covering when entering the hospital. It is expected that the visitor will keep their face covered during the duration of their visit. 

We are grateful for our community and their continued support during this time. We understand that these restrictions are difficult for patients and their loved ones. We are taking these necessary steps to protect our patients, our staff, and our community. 

CHADRON ― Chadron Community Hospital is updating visitor guidelines in response to increased cases of COVID‐19 in the region. To protect the safety of patients and staff, Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services will limit patients to one visitor, effective immediately. Visitation is not allowed for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID‐19. In addition, emergency department visitation is at the discretion of the ED provider. At Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services, we are practicing universal masking. Upon arrival, patients and visitors will be screened and given a face covering when entering the hospital. It is expected that the visitor will keep their face covered during the duration of their visit. We are grateful for our community and their continued support during this time. We understand that these restrictions are difficult for patients and their loved ones. We are taking these necessary steps to protect our patients, our staff, and our community.

Chadron Community Hospital updates visitor restrictions

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans who need certain types of surgeries will need to wait longer under a public health measure that will continue through October. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced that he's extending the measure through Oct. 31 to help short-staffed hospitals cope with existing patients. 

The directed health measure had been scheduled to expire on Thursday.

 The order applies to inpatient Class D and E elective surgeries for all acute care, critical care and children’s hospitals in Nebraska. 

Class D and E surgeries are elective procedures that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans who need certain types of surgeries will need to wait longer under a public health measure that will continue through October. Gov. Pete Ricketts announced that he's extending the measure through Oct. 31 to help short-staffed hospitals cope with existing patients. The directed health measure had been scheduled to expire on Thursday. The order applies to inpatient Class D and E elective surgeries for all acute care, critical care and children’s hospitals in Nebraska. Class D and E surgeries are elective procedures that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome.

Ricketts extends suspension of some hospital surgeries

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health care workers who were once saluted for saving lives in the COVID-19 outbreak are now being issued panic buttons and ditching their scrubs before going out in public to avoid harassment. 

Across the country, doctors and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic are dealing with hostility, threats and violence from patients angry over safety rules designed to keep the virus from spreading. 

Some hospitals are so concerned that they equipped workers with panic buttons, while others have limited the number of public entrance to their facilities. 

In Idaho, nurses they’re scared to go to grocery stores unless they’ve changed out of their scrubs so they aren’t accosted by angry residents.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health care workers who were once saluted for saving lives in the COVID-19 outbreak are now being issued panic buttons and ditching their scrubs before going out in public to avoid harassment. Across the country, doctors and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic are dealing with hostility, threats and violence from patients angry over safety rules designed to keep the virus from spreading. Some hospitals are so concerned that they equipped workers with panic buttons, while others have limited the number of public entrance to their facilities. In Idaho, nurses they’re scared to go to grocery stores unless they’ve changed out of their scrubs so they aren’t accosted by angry residents.

Health workers once saluted as heroes now get threats

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The growth in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Nebraska has somewhat slowed down this past week, but the number of people hospitalized with the virus remains high. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 4,688 new cases were reported in Nebraska in the week that ended Thursday. 

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that's down from 4,707 the week before and about 5,300 cases two weeks earlier. 

According to state data, the number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska hit 434 on Monday. 

That number has generally remained above 400 since mid-September.

 Hospitalizations remain well below last November’s peak of 987, but hospital capacity is still strained.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The growth in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Nebraska has somewhat slowed down this past week, but the number of people hospitalized with the virus remains high. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 4,688 new cases were reported in Nebraska in the week that ended Thursday. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that's down from 4,707 the week before and about 5,300 cases two weeks earlier. According to state data, the number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska hit 434 on Monday. That number has generally remained above 400 since mid-September. Hospitalizations remain well below last November’s peak of 987, but hospital capacity is still strained.

Virus growth slows in state, hospitalizations stay high

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Reserving doubts whenever others claim to know what’s best is part of life in Wyoming. 

Now the Wyoming way stands out more starkly than ever with COVID-19 vaccination trends. 

Wyoming’s statewide vaccination rate of 41% is second-lowest of any U.S. state and well below the national rate of 55%.

 In northeastern Wyoming's Campbell County, only 23% of people are fully vaccinated, putting it among the bottom handful of counties nationwide. 

Locals say they have doubts about the vaccine. 

They also say they've got a right to choose whether to get the shot. 

Their views coincide with a COVID-19 rate that is almost four times the national average.

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Reserving doubts whenever others claim to know what’s best is part of life in Wyoming. Now the Wyoming way stands out more starkly than ever with COVID-19 vaccination trends. Wyoming’s statewide vaccination rate of 41% is second-lowest of any U.S. state and well below the national rate of 55%. In northeastern Wyoming's Campbell County, only 23% of people are fully vaccinated, putting it among the bottom handful of counties nationwide. Locals say they have doubts about the vaccine. They also say they've got a right to choose whether to get the shot. Their views coincide with a COVID-19 rate that is almost four times the national average.

Low vaccine rate highlights Wyoming conservative streak

David Brett-Major, MD, MPH joined the Monday, September 27 briefing to discuss COVID and preventable deaths. Dr. Brett-Major is a professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. The full presentation is accessible here:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9</a>.

Unified Command confirms 368 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, September 20.

The Panhandle COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The state COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf</a>.&nbsp;For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

By PPHDDavid Brett-Major, MD, MPH joined the Monday, September 27 briefing to discuss COVID and preventable deaths. Dr. Brett-Major is a professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. The full presentation is accessible here:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/3xrekfr9</a>.Vaccinations have protection against all known variants, including Delta. For anyone age 12 and older, please get vaccinated. COVID vaccine is widely available across the Panhandle and there is no charge for the vaccine.<ul>
 <li><a>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM</li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>During COVID clinic hours visit&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;for days and hours</li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM</li><li>Garden: To schedule an appointment visit&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;- provider will call you</li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM</li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM</li><li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/hkw7wk2p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM</li><li>Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM</li>
 </ul>If you are homebound or have a condition that makes it hard for you to access a COVID vaccine, please call Kim Engel at 308-633-2866 ext 101.People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>. Unified Command confirms 368 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, September 20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632789871069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-September 27, 2021<ul>
 <li>Positive: 11,133</li><li>Last week’s cases: (cases/100,000): 318.8</li><li>Last week’s cases: 275</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 11.7%</li><li>Deaths: 204</li><li>Deaths Pending Verification: 10</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 22</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 635</li>
 </ul>Avoid the Three Cs:<ul>
 <li>Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others</li><li>Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with</li><li>Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation</li>
 </ul>Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html" target="_blank">http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html</a>.The Panhandle COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The state COVID dashboard is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ufj9fcuf</a>.&nbsp;For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

PPHD: 368 more virus cases reported in the Panhandle 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The coronavirus patients that fill the intensive care unit at a Rapid City hospital are forcing other patients in need of an ICU bed to wait. 

The director of the ICU nursing unit at Monument Health hospital, George Sazama, says one man in need of open heart surgery was told he would have to wait longer than expected.

 Sazama says that's one of the hardest things health care providers have to do right now because COVID-19 patients need care first. 

And officials say those infected with coronavirus are staying longer in the unit than regular patients.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The coronavirus patients that fill the intensive care unit at a Rapid City hospital are forcing other patients in need of an ICU bed to wait. The director of the ICU nursing unit at Monument Health hospital, George Sazama, says one man in need of open heart surgery was told he would have to wait longer than expected. Sazama says that's one of the hardest things health care providers have to do right now because COVID-19 patients need care first. And officials say those infected with coronavirus are staying longer in the unit than regular patients.

Non-coronavirus patients wait for intensive care unit bed in Rapid City 

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19 stood on the verge of a major new phase as government advisers Thursday recommended booster doses of Pfizer’s vaccine for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans — despite doubts the extra shots will do much to slow the pandemic.

Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said boosters should be offered to people 65 and older, nursing home residents and those ages 50 to 64 who have risky underlying health problems. The extra dose would be given once they are at least six months past their last Pfizer shot.

Deciding who else might get one was far tougher. While there is little evidence that younger people are in danger of waning immunity, the panel offered the option of a booster for those 18 to 49 who have chronic health problems and want one.

But the advisers refused to go further and open boosters to otherwise healthy front-line health care workers who aren’t at risk of severe illness but want to avoid even a mild infection.

“We might as well just say give it to everyone 18 and older. We have a very effective vaccine and it’s like saying, ‘It’s not working.’ It is working,” said Dr. Pablo Sanchez of Ohio State University, who helped block the broadest booster option.

Still, getting the unvaccinated their first shots remains the top priority, and the panel wrestled with whether the booster debate was distracting from that goal.

All three of the COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. still are highly protective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, even amid the spread of the extra-contagious delta variant. But only about 182 million Americans are fully vaccinated, just 55% of the population.

“We can give boosters to people, but that’s not really the answer to this pandemic,” said Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University. “Hospitals are full because people are not vaccinated. We are declining care to people who deserve care because we are full of unvaccinated COVID-positive patients.”

Thursday’s decision represented a dramatic scaling back of the Biden administration plan, announced last month, to dispense boosters to nearly everyone to shore up their protection. Late Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration, like the CDC, signed off on Pfizer boosters for a much more targeted slice of the American population than the White House envisioned.

It falls to the CDC to set final U.S. policy on who qualifies for the extra shot. The CDC usually follows its advisers’ recommendations. A final decision from the agency was expected later Thursday.

The booster plan marks an important shift in the nation’s vaccination drive. Britain and Israel are already giving a third round of shots over strong objections from the World Health Organization that poor countries don’t have enough for their initial doses.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky opened Thursday’s meeting by stressing that vaccinating the unvaccinated remains the top goal “here in America and around the world.”

Walensky acknowledged that the data on who really needs a booster right away “are not perfect.” “Yet collectively they form a picture for us,” she said, “and they are what we have in this moment to make a decision about the next stage in this pandemic.”

The CDC panel stressed its recommendations will be changed if new evidence shows more people need a booster.

The CDC advisers expressed concern over the millions more Americans who received Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson shots early in the vaccine rollout. The government still hasn’t considered boosters for those brands and has no data on whether it’s safe or effective to mix-and-match and give those people a Pfizer shot.

“I just don’t understand how later this afternoon we can say to people 65 and older you’re at risk for severe illness and death but only half of you can protect yourselves right now,” said Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University.

About 26 million Americans got their last Pfizer dose at least six months ago, about half of whom are 65 or older. It’s not clear how many more would meet the CDC panel’s initial booster qualifications.

CDC data shows the vaccines still offer strong protection for all ages, but there is a slight drop among the oldest adults. And immunity against milder infection appears to be waning months after people’s initial immunization.

For most people, if you’re not in a group recommended for a booster, “it’s really because we think you’re well-protected,” said Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “This isn’t about who deserves a booster, but who needs a booster.”

Among people who stand to benefit from a booster, there are few risks, the CDC concluded. Serious side effects from the first two Pfizer doses are exceedingly rare, including heart inflammation that sometimes occurs in younger men. Data from Israel, which has given nearly 3 million people — mostly 60 and older — a third Pfizer dose, has uncovered no red flags.

The panelists also wrestled with how to even tell when a booster is needed. While an extra dose revs up numbers of virus-fighting antibodies, those naturally wane over time and no one knows how long the antibody boost from a third Pfizer dose will last -- or how much protection it really adds, since the immune system also forms additional defenses after vaccination.

The U.S. has already authorized third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients. Other Americans, healthy or not, have managed to get boosters, in some cases simply by asking.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. vaccination drive against COVID-19 stood on the verge of a major new phase as government advisers Thursday recommended booster doses of Pfizer’s vaccine for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans — despite doubts the extra shots will do much to slow the pandemic.Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said boosters should be offered to people 65 and older, nursing home residents and those ages 50 to 64 who have risky underlying health problems. The extra dose would be given once they are at least six months past their last Pfizer shot.Deciding who else might get one was far tougher. While there is little evidence that younger people are in danger of waning immunity, the panel offered the option of a booster for those 18 to 49 who have chronic health problems and want one.But the advisers refused to go further and open boosters to otherwise healthy front-line health care workers who aren’t at risk of severe illness but want to avoid even a mild infection.“We might as well just say give it to everyone 18 and older. We have a very effective vaccine and it’s like saying, ‘It’s not working.’ It is working,” said Dr. Pablo Sanchez of Ohio State University, who helped block the broadest booster option.Still, getting the unvaccinated their first shots remains the top priority, and the panel wrestled with whether the booster debate was distracting from that goal.All three of the COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. still are highly protective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, even amid the spread of the extra-contagious delta variant. But only about 182 million Americans are fully vaccinated, just 55% of the population.“We can give boosters to people, but that’s not really the answer to this pandemic,” said Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University. “Hospitals are full because people are not vaccinated. We are declining care to people who deserve care because we are full of unvaccinated COVID-positive patients.”Thursday’s decision represented a dramatic scaling back of the Biden administration plan, announced last month, to dispense boosters to nearly everyone to shore up their protection. Late Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration, like the CDC, signed off on Pfizer boosters for a much more targeted slice of the American population than the White House envisioned.It falls to the CDC to set final U.S. policy on who qualifies for the extra shot. The CDC usually follows its advisers’ recommendations. A final decision from the agency was expected later Thursday.The booster plan marks an important shift in the nation’s vaccination drive. Britain and Israel are already giving a third round of shots over strong objections from the World Health Organization that poor countries don’t have enough for their initial doses.CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky opened Thursday’s meeting by stressing that vaccinating the unvaccinated remains the top goal “here in America and around the world.”Walensky acknowledged that the data on who really needs a booster right away “are not perfect.” “Yet collectively they form a picture for us,” she said, “and they are what we have in this moment to make a decision about the next stage in this pandemic.”The CDC panel stressed its recommendations will be changed if new evidence shows more people need a booster.The CDC advisers expressed concern over the millions more Americans who received Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson shots early in the vaccine rollout. The government still hasn’t considered boosters for those brands and has no data on whether it’s safe or effective to mix-and-match and give those people a Pfizer shot.“I just don’t understand how later this afternoon we can say to people 65 and older you’re at risk for severe illness and death but only half of you can protect yourselves right now,” said Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University.About 26 million Americans got their last Pfizer dose at least six months ago, about half of whom are 65 or older. It’s not clear how many more would meet the CDC panel’s initial booster qualifications.CDC data shows the vaccines still offer strong protection for all ages, but there is a slight drop among the oldest adults. And immunity against milder infection appears to be waning months after people’s initial immunization.For most people, if you’re not in a group recommended for a booster, “it’s really because we think you’re well-protected,” said Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “This isn’t about who deserves a booster, but who needs a booster.”Among people who stand to benefit from a booster, there are few risks, the CDC concluded. Serious side effects from the first two Pfizer doses are exceedingly rare, including heart inflammation that sometimes occurs in younger men. Data from Israel, which has given nearly 3 million people — mostly 60 and older — a third Pfizer dose, has uncovered no red flags.The panelists also wrestled with how to even tell when a booster is needed. While an extra dose revs up numbers of virus-fighting antibodies, those naturally wane over time and no one knows how long the antibody boost from a third Pfizer dose will last -- or how much protection it really adds, since the immune system also forms additional defenses after vaccination.The U.S. has already authorized third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients. Other Americans, healthy or not, have managed to get boosters, in some cases simply by asking.___

Despite concern, US sets stage for COVID booster shots 

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — The Oglala Sioux Tribe is asking all tribal members on the Pine Ridge Reservation to shelter in place following a spike in COVID-19 cases. 

The initial stay-at-home order issued earlier this week by Oglala Vice President Alicia Mousseau was approved Wednesday by the tribal council on a 14-4 vote. 

The order will remain in place until the tribal council rescinds it. 

The order allows only essential business to operate and only at 25% capacity. 

It includes a mask mandate and limits gatherings to no more than 10 people, the Rapid City Journal reported. 

Tribal health officials say there has been 58 new cases of COVID-19 over a two-week period. 

There are 64 active cases on the reservation.

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — The Oglala Sioux Tribe is asking all tribal members on the Pine Ridge Reservation to shelter in place following a spike in COVID-19 cases. The initial stay-at-home order issued earlier this week by Oglala Vice President Alicia Mousseau was approved Wednesday by the tribal council on a 14-4 vote. The order will remain in place until the tribal council rescinds it. The order allows only essential business to operate and only at 25% capacity. It includes a mask mandate and limits gatherings to no more than 10 people, the Rapid City Journal reported. Tribal health officials say there has been 58 new cases of COVID-19 over a two-week period. There are 64 active cases on the reservation.

Coronavirus Update