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Community Health Needs Assesment – Please take this survey!

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🗣Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Pike County Memorial Hospital (PCMH) requests your input in order to create a 2022-2024 Regional Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). To collect “up to date” community feedback, a short online survey has been created to uncover current community health issues and evaluate local health delivery. Survey is funded by PCMH.
While your participation is voluntary and confidential, all community input is valued. Thank you for your feedback. The deadline to participate is Friday, April 8, 2022.

NEW! CDC’s COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) Calculator

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CDC’s new COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) Calculator takes the stress out of figuring when, and for how long, people with COVID-19 and close contacts need to stay home, get tested, and wear a well-fitting mask. Developed in response to requests from partners and the public, the calculator provides important information about what precautions people with COVID-19 and their close contacts can take to protect loved ones and slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.

*Please note that the Q&I Calculator is not for people with COVID-19 who are moderately or severely ill or those who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)—you should talk to your doctor about when to end isolation.  In addition, this tool does not apply to cases and close contacts identified in certain settings. Parents with children in K-12 schools or early care and education (ECE) programs should consult the program administrator for specific isolation and quarantine guidance in their school or ECE setting. 

We have added this calculator to our website for the public to easily access, just click here >>>

You can also find it on the CDC website along with other helpful information, just click here >>>

Get Vaccinated and Stay Up to Date

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COVID-19 Vaccines:
Get Vaccinated and Stay Up to Date
  • Fully vaccinated means a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Up to date means a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series COVID-19 vaccine, and a booster dose when eligible.

COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, people who are up to date are protected best. CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 years and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone ages 12 years and older also receive a booster shot.

LEARN MORE >>>

CDC UPDATE: Recommendations for People with COVID-19 and COVID-19 Close Contacts

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Recommendations for People with COVID-19

Have you tested positive for COVID-19 or have mild symptoms and are waiting for test results?

Here’s What To Do:

Isolate. Stay at home for at least 5 days.*

To keep others safe in your home, wear a mask, stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if you can.

Do not travel for 10 days.

If you can’t wear a mask, stay home and away from other people for 10 days.

To calculate the recommended time frames, day 0 is the day you were tested if you don’t have symptoms, or the date your symptoms started.

Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your test results and available treatment options. Watch for symptoms, especially fever. If you have an emergency warning sign, such as trouble breathing or persistent chest pain or pressure, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Day 6: Do a self-check. How are you feeling?

You could have loss of taste or smell for weeks or months after you feel better. These symptoms should not delay the end of isolation.

No symptoms or symptoms improving.

No fever without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours: You can leave isolation. Keep wearing a mask around other people at home and in public for 5 more days (days 6-10).

Symptoms not improving and/or still have fever: Continue to stay home until 24 hours after your fever stops without using fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have improved.

After you feel completely better, keep wearing a mask around other people at home and in public through day 10.

*If you are moderately or severely illexternal icon (including being hospitalized or requiring intensive care or ventilation support) or immunocompromised, please talk to your healthcare provider about when you can end isolation. Please refer to COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation for guidance on isolation in healthcare settings and high risk congregate settings (such as correctional and detention facilities, homeless shelters, or cruise ships).

Recommendations for COVID-19 Close Contacts

Have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19? You were a close contact if you were less than 6 feet away from someone with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (excluding K-12 settings).

Here’s What To Do:

Protect Others

Take these steps to keep others safe.

Quarantine if you are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines or didn’t have COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days. If you are up to date or had COVID-19 in the past 90 days you do not have to quarantine.

  • Avoid travel through day 10.

Wear a mask around other people for 10 days.

Watch for symptoms of COVID-19 for 10 days.

Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

Get Tested

Get a COVID-19 test on or after day 5 or if you have symptoms.

People who had COVID-19 in the past 90 days should only get tested if they develop symptoms.

You tested negative. You can leave your home.

  • Keep wearing a mask in public and when traveling through day 10.

You tested positive or have symptoms.

  • Isolate away from other people. Stay home for at least 5 days and follow steps for isolation.
  • Do not travel for 10 days.

If you are unable to get tested, you can leave your home after day 5 if you have not had symptoms. Keep wearing a mask in public and avoid travel through day 10.

To calculate the recommended time frames, day 0 is the date you last had close contact to someone with COVID-19.

If you can’t wear a mask, stay home (quarantine) and away from other people, and do not travel for 10 days.

Please refer to COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation for guidance on quarantine in healthcare settings and high risk congregate settings (such as correctional and detention facilities, homeless shelters, or cruise ships).

 

READ MORE: >>>>>

Missouri Department of Health – Free Radon Test Kit Offer

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Radon (Rn) is a gaseous radioactive element that occurs from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil and rocks. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Radon becomes a risk indoors because as it continues to break down, it emits atomic particles that upon entering the lungs can alter the DNA and increase lung cancer risk. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation and is classified as a “Class A” carcinogen according to EPA.
Radon is not known to cause asthma or any other type of respiratory distress. Radon can be tested and measured (in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air) and there are estimated risks to health from the exposure depending on the concentration. DHSS in conjunction with EPA recommends that if the concentration of radon is 4 pCi/L or greater, then remediation should be done to lower risks. Smoking in conjunction with radon exposure greatly increases the risk of cancer. See the risk chart. For more information about radon see “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon.”

MODHSS: Missouri announces first case of COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant

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For Immediate Release:

December 3, 2021

 

Media Contact:

Lisa Cox, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov

 

 

Missouri announces first case of COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) announced the state’s first case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant named Omicron. One week ago, the World Health Organization classified this variant, B.1.1.529, now known as Omicron, as a Variant of Concern due to identified concerning types of mutations.

“Although there is much we still need to learn about this new variant, we do know the best tool currently available to protect ourselves from COVID-19 is personal prevention. I urge Missourians to seek information on the Omicron variant from DHSS and trusted medical sources opposed to social media,” said Donald Kauerauf, DHSS Director. “We also encourage Missourians to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and staying informed this holiday season as this new variant is investigated further.”

Public health experts worldwide are working quickly to learn more about the Omicron variant and how it may impact the health and safety of citizens. The transmissibility and disease severity caused by Omicron are still unknown. Scientists are also studying the degree to which existing vaccines and therapies protect against Omicron.

 

DHSS was notified by public health partners of a sample presumed positive for the Omicron variant originating from a St. Louis City resident who had recent domestic travel history. The sample was originally sequenced as part of commercial laboratory surveillance and results are currently awaiting confirmation by the CDC.

“The Delta variant is still the predominant variant present in Missouri, currently representing well over 99 percent of the cases. Citizens are urged to complete their vaccination series for COVID-19 and get their booster,” said Kauerauf.

DHSS will continue to work with public health partners to monitor for an increase in the Omicron variant, as well as trends in other variants. To learn more about Missouri’s variant monitoring efforts, visit Health.Mo.Gov.

DHSS has been regularly providing the public with actionable information to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The agency continues to recommend that residents follow prevention strategies such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, frequent handwashing and maintaining physical distance from others.

 

Everyone 5 years and older is highly encouraged to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated (and boosted if age 18 and older). Missourians should also take the opportunity to get their annual influenza vaccination as part of their risk reduction activities to protect themselves and others from seasonal respiratory illness.

 

Travelers to the U.S. should continue to follow CDC recommendations for safe traveling. Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines in Missouri at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “covidvaccine.mo.gov” claiming to be MOStopsCovid.com.

 

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 vaccine:

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 test:

 

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About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo

 

 

Pfizer Approved for ages 5-11

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Children age 5-11 are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Missouri. Our agency is planning to host two clinics during the week of November 15th to offer additional times for those seeking to schedule an appointment for thier minor children.

These pediatric clinics will be as follows:

  • Tuesday, November 16th from 1:15pm-4:30pm
  • Thursday, November 18th from 3:00pm – 5:45pm

Please visit our website here to schedule an appointment or call our office at 573-324-2111.

See the full press release regarding this new eligibility here:

 

For Immediate Release:

November 3, 2021

Media Contact: Lisa Cox, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

 

Children age 5-11 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Missouri

More than 533,000 of Missouri’s population includes children age 5-11 who will now be eligible for vaccination

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC’s recommendation, announced yesterday, was made based on an in-depth review of available safety, immunogenicity and efficacy data. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children on October 29.

Previously, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was authorized for use in individuals age 12 and older. The vaccine for children age 5-11 is a smaller dose (10 µg), which is a third of the dosage for individuals 12 years and older (30 µg). The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, 3 weeks apart, for all eligible individuals.

“As a parent myself, I understand the concerns about vaccinating their young children,” said Donald Kauerauf, DHSS Director. “It is important to make an informed decision based on factual, scientific information, not what is available in a social media feed. I highly encourage parents to discuss their child’s vaccination with their pediatrician or trusted medical professional.”

In clinical trials, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children age 5-11. Vaccine side effects were mild and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. These are normal signs that their body is building protection, but they should go away in a few days. The most common side effect was a sore arm.

“While it is less common for a child to become severely ill or need hospitalization due to COVID-19, that risk certainly does exist, which became more evident during the recent Delta variant surge,” said Kauerauf. “The Delta variant is still prevalent among COVID-19 cases, and it is impacting people differently than what we witnessed a year ago. Also, we know kids can and do spread the virus and can unknowingly cause severe illness in others including senior citizens and at risk populations.”

According to census data, more than 533,000 of Missouri’s population includes children age 5-11 who will now be eligible for vaccination.

Missourians over the age of 12 are still encouraged to get vaccinated if they have not done so to date. Sufficient supplies of vaccines are available throughout the state.

Distribution of just over 116,000 pediatric doses across the state began earlier this week, with federal plans to scale up to full capacity over the next two weeks. Providers operating under the state’s standing orders should follow the guidance as written for COVID-19 vaccine administration for children age 5-11. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that is given to adults and adolescents cannot be used for children age 5-11.

Providers who pre-ordered pediatric vaccines are listed at MOStopsCovid.com, and later this week Vaccines.gov will list locations on an interactive map where vaccine is available. You can also text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

Both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for use in individuals 18 years and older and will continue to be available to adults. Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines and find a vaccine near you at MOStopsCovid.com.

 

Parents + Kids COVID-19 FAQs

 

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About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo

All Booster Shots to be available at PCHD next week

PCHD Web Admin 2 Comments

All COVID-19 Booster doses will be available at the Pike County Health Department beginning on Wednesday, October 27th  and will be offering a mass clinic style MODERNA COVID-19 Booster clinic on Tuesday, November 2nd. The CDC recently released a statement recommending COVID-19 booster shots for certain populations. There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Booster Basics:

  • Must qualify under at least one of the following conditions:
    • 65 years of age and older and/or residents in long-term care settings
    • 18–64 years of age with underlying medical conditions
    • 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (e.g. frontline medical workers, teachers, and first responders) 
    • Previously received a 1 dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
  • For previous Pfizer OR Moderna recipients, you must wait 6 months since your 2nd dose before receiving the booster.
  • For previous Johnson & Johnson recipients, you must wait 2 months since your 1st dose before receiving the booster.
  • Please bring your COVID-19 Vaccine Card.

 

Getting your COVID-19 Vaccines:

  • Pfizer: Mondays by appointment
  • Moderna: Wednesdays by appointment & Special Booster Clinic held on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd.
  • Johnson & Johnson: Monday – Friday, no appointment necessary

 

Available data right now show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.

 

We encourage the public to decide which vaccine is right for them and contact us with any questions. Visit our website at www.pikecountyhealth.org  to schedule an appointment, read the CDC’s full press release, and find more resources on the COVID-19 vaccines.

 

READ THE CDC MEDIA RELEASE HERE:

CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots

Media Statement

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 21, 2021
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Today, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines in certain populations. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorizationexternal icon and CDC’s recommendation for use are important steps forward as we work to stay ahead of the virus and keep Americans safe.

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Millions of people are newly eligible to receive a booster shot and will benefit from additional protection. However, today’s action should not distract from the critical work of ensuring that unvaccinated people take the first step and get an initial COVID-19 vaccine. More than 65 million Americans remain unvaccinated, leaving themselves – and their children, families, loved ones, and communities– vulnerable.

Available data right now show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.

The following is attributable to Dr. Walensky:

“These recommendations are another example of our fundamental commitment to protect as many people as possible from COVID-19. The evidence shows that all three COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States are safe – as demonstrated by the over 400 million vaccine doses already given. And, they are all highly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even in the midst of the widely circulating Delta variant.”

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESexternal icon

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.

3rd Dose & Booster COVID-19 vaccines offered at PCHD

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Our agency is now offering the 3rd Dose & Booster Dose COVID-19 vaccines. Please read the following information carefully. Recently the Moderna & Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for 3rd doses for the moderately to severely immunocompromised. At this time only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for Booster doses that are available to those who fit the criteria listed below. The CDC has released guidance as to what individuals are able to receive the 3rd & Booster dose and they are specific to who and when they can be received. Please see below the information to understand if you are eligible to receive a 3rd Dose or Booster dose.

Who can receive the MODERNA or PFIZER 3rd dose? You must have ALL of the below scenarios:

  • If you have previously received your 1st & 2nd dose of Moderna OR Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine. Vaccine brands are interchangeable. 
  • If it has been at least 28 days since your 2nd dose was administered.
  • If you fall into one of the following categories as being moderately to severely immunocompromised:
    • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
    • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
    • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
    • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
    • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
    • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

Read more on 3rd Dose COVID-19 vaccines from CDC >>>

 

Who can receive the PFIZER Booster Dose? You must have ALL of the below scenarios:

  • If you have previously received your 1st & 2nd dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • If it has been at least 6 months since your 2nd dose was administered.
  • If you fall into at least one of the following categories:
    • 65 years of age and older and residents in long-term care settings
    • 50–64 years of age with underlying medical conditions
    • 18–49 years of age with underlying medical conditions
    • 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (e.g. frontline medical workers, teachers, and first responders) 

Read more on the Pfizer Booster from CDC >>>

 

If you qualify under any of these circumstances, you can easily schedule your 3rd Dose or Booster dose with our agency. We offer Pfizer on Mondays & Moderna on Wednesdays, both by appointment. Call our office for this appointment or go online to book yourself at pikecountyhealth.org.

Pfizer Now Offered Weekly on Mondays

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Our agency will now be offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by appointment only on Mondays each week. Pfizer is available to anyone age 12 and over. Parents/Legal Guardians must accompany minor children to their appointment, if unable please call our office about the required paperwork. You can learn more about the Pfizer, other COVID-19 vaccines, and book appointments by visiting our website at www.pikecountyhealth.org/covid-19. We continue to offer MODERNA by appointment on Wednesdays, and J&J Monday-Friday with no appointment necessary.