In the 24 hours preceding 9 a.m. on Sunday, there were 73 new positive COVID-19 cases through Augusta Health testing sites, the eighth highest daily total at Augusta Health, and the highest since mid-January.
The highest single testing day at Augusta Health was New Year’s Eve when the total was 82.
Augusta Health’s inpatient COVID-19 census is 33. On Aug. 9, the inpatient COVID-19 census was five, and had been for several days. The rise from five to 33 has been swift and steady.
The strong majority of our COVID-19 inpatients are unvaccinated persons. COVID vaccinations are the most effective and lasting way to prevent COVID infections in our community.
Vaccination eligibility
Augusta Health is vaccinating everyone age 12 and older who lives, works or goes to school in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for individuals age 18 and over. Pfizer vaccine is authorized for individuals age 12 and older; a parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of those under the age of 18.
At this time, third-dose COVID-19 booster shots are available only to:
- Individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (no proof of a medical condition is required at this time); and who
- Have already received two doses of either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine; and who
- Received their second dose of vaccine more than 28 days ago.
Booster shots for other individuals have been discussed for administration on or about Sept. 20; however, this dosage has not yet been recommended by the FDA or approved the CDC. Until those recommendations and approvals are given, appointments cannot be scheduled.
Vaccinations in primary care offices
Vaccinations for COVID-19 continue in all Augusta Medical Group primary care offices. Patients who prefer to receive a vaccination from their personal physician should contact their doctor’s office to be scheduled into the next available vaccination appointment block.
Community-based clinics
Augusta Health also provides off-campus, community-based clinics in partnership with local organizations, churches and schools. The number of these clinics has increased significantly.
This week, these community clinics are scheduled. Walk-ins/Drive-ins are welcome at community clinics:
- Tuesday: Blue Ridge Community College in the Houff Student Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available. Go to vaccinate.augustahealth.com to register for this clinic.
- Wednesday: Mary Baldwin University from 9 a.m. to 12 noon; Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson are available.
- Saturday: Mary Baldwin University from 9 a.m. to 12 noon; Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson are available.
- Saturday: Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson are available.
Community organizations that would like to partner with Augusta Health for a Vaccination Clinic can contact [email protected] for more information on the requirements.
Large on-campus vaccination clinics
Appointments are preferred for clinics. Walk-ins are welcome.
Go to vaccinate.augustahealth.com to view the links and schedule an appointment. Information about new clinics, the links and the criteria for each link, are posted as available. On-campus clinics for the remainder of this week are:
- Tuesday: Pfizer/Moderna Third-Dose Booster Clinic. For moderately and severely immunocompromised only. The clinic will run from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Walk-ins welcome until 6 p.m. It must be at least 28 days since the second dose of vaccine. Please bring Vaccination Record Card or record of previous vaccination. The link is open on vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
- Wednesday: After school/after work clinic hours for those are unable to come during the day. The clinic will run from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Walk-ins welcome until 6 p.m. This is a dual Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson clinic. Anyone age 12 and older may receive Pfizer vaccine; Johnson & Johnson is a one-dose vaccine available to those age 18 and older and administered if available. The link is open on vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
- Thursday: After school/after work clinic hours for those are unable to come during the day. The clinic will run from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Walk-ins welcome until 6 p.m. This is a dual Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson clinic. Anyone age 12 and older may receive Pfizer vaccine; Johnson & Johnson is a one-dose vaccine available to those age 18 and older and administered if available. The link is open on vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
- Friday: Pfizer/Moderna Third-Dose Booster Clinic. For moderately and severely immunocompromised only. The clinic will run from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Walk-ins welcome until 6 p.m. It must be at least 28 days since the second dose of vaccine. Please bring Vaccination Record Card or record of previous vaccination. The link is open on vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
Vaccination Call Center
Not everyone has access to the internet. Those who need assistance to schedule should call Augusta Health’s Vaccination Call Center at (540) 332-5122. The Call Center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm to answer questions and help to schedule vaccination appointments.
Homebound patients are being vaccinated through a pilot program with Central Shenandoah EMS. Contact the Vaccination Call Center for more information.
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Chris Graham
