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

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

St.
Joseph health officials report 52 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since
Thursday. They also report two more virus-related deaths during that time - two
women in their 90s. That puts the Buchanan County virus death toll up to 217.

Due
to technical errors, the positivity rate in Buchanan County was not updated
this week, but last week, it was just over six percent.

Mosaic
Life Care is treating 21 COVID-patients system-wide; 17 in St. Joseph, three in
Maryville, and one in Albany. Nearly 35% of Buchanan County residents
have completed vaccination.

Andrew
County reported nine new COVID-19 cases Monday with 128 cases active there. Andrew
County also reported an additional coronavirus death, bringing the county death
toll to 27. More than 41% of Andrew County residents have completed
vaccination.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 52 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since
Thursday. They also report two more virus-related deaths during that time - two
women in their 90s. That puts the Buchanan County virus death toll up to 217.Due
to technical errors, the positivity rate in Buchanan County was not updated
this week, but last week, it was just over six percent.Mosaic
Life Care is treating 21 COVID-patients system-wide; 17 in St. Joseph, three in
Maryville, and one in Albany. Nearly 35% of Buchanan County residents
have completed vaccination.Andrew
County reported nine new COVID-19 cases Monday with 128 cases active there. Andrew
County also reported an additional coronavirus death, bringing the county death
toll to 27. More than 41% of Andrew County residents have completed
vaccination.

St. Joseph reports 52 new COVID-19 cases; 2 more deaths

St.
Joseph health officials report 77 new coronavirus cases since last issuing an
official report on Monday and two additional deaths.

The
St. Joseph Health Department reports a woman in her 70’s and a woman in her 80’s
died from complications of COVID-19.

The
department reports 27 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, 24 on Wednesday, and 26
on Thursday.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 18 COVID-19 patients in its system; 15 in St.
Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 77 new coronavirus cases since last issuing an
official report on Monday and two additional deaths.The
St. Joseph Health Department reports a woman in her 70’s and a woman in her 80’s
died from complications of COVID-19.The
department reports 27 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, 24 on Wednesday, and 26
on Thursday.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 18 COVID-19 patients in its system; 15 in St.
Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.

St. Joseph reports 77 new COVID-19 patients, drop in hospitalizations

A mask mandate remains in place at the St. Joseph School District, but local COVID numbers are trending in a positive direction, meaning the mandate could end sooner rather than later.

The St. Joseph School board voted 5-1 in favor of the mandate in early August, as the local positivity rate was high and the local vaccination rate was low.

With the positivity rate in Buchanan County down to six percent, and the vaccination rate over 38 percent, St. Joseph Schools superintendent Doug Van Zyl says things are trending in the right direction.

"I just keep updating (the board) on where we are at with our positivity rate," Van Zyl said on KFEQ's The Hotline. "With help from Mosaic and from the county and the city health department. So, looks like we're getting closer and we'll decide where we go from there."

The school board decided in August that the mask mandate could be lifted if the positivity rate in Buchanan County stays below five percent for two weeks.

The board voted 6-1 two weeks ago to keep the mandate in place, as the county's COVID test positivity rate was at 7.51 percent at the time.

Dr. Bryan Green, vice president of the school board and a physician at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, says the board's motivation to implement a mask mandate again this year was simply to keep students in school.

"We very much wanted to keep kids in class as much as possible," Green said. "The positivity rate is one of our best estimates of how active the virus is in the community. We're seeing that rate go down, and we're very thankful for that - both as a medical doctor and as a board of education member."

Van Zyl added that the mask mandate, while not the most popular among certain families in the district, has added benefits for parents as well.

"If their kids have to stay home because they're in quarantine, what are they going to do for the next 10 days?" Van Zyl stated. "They can't just quit working."

Dr. Green has also noticed that it's older students who may not&nbsp;especially like wearing masks, and may not wear them much outside of school. But, he says junior high and high school students recognize that mask wearing, right now, is the best way to keep everyone in school and to keep extracurricular activities going at a normal pace.

"Kids in high school don't want to be forced home," Green noticed. "They want to stay in class, but they also want to be involved in their extracurricular activities. Many of them recognize, 'Yeah, I'm happy to wear a mask if I can continue to try and pursue a more normal life."

St. Joseph, and other public school districts in Missouri that have mask requirements in place, are awaiting the results of a lawsuit filed by Missouri's Republican attorney general Eric Schmitt.

Schmitt in August filed suit against Columbia Public Schools, seeking a court ruling to prevent the district from requiring masks in the classroom.

Hearings in that lawsuit began Tuesday. It's a class action suit, meaning it would apply to any Missouri school district requiring masks. However, a Boone County judge Tuesday dismissed Schmitt's motion to expand the action to every school district in the state that has a mask requirement.

Van Zyl told St. Joseph Post in late August, "I believe that Missouri is a local control state and I think communities and towns and cities and school districts have had that ability over the years and to make an adjustment in that now I think could create some challenges down the road.”

Another ruling that the St. Joseph School District is watching for is whether or not vaccines will be required for employees of all public schools nationwide.

Just last week, a vaccine mandate for New York City schools, the nation’s largest school district, was temporarily halted by a federal appeals court just days before the deadline.

Federal vaccine mandates&nbsp;do not explicitly require vaccines for teachers in locally governed schools, but several states like Oregon, California and New Jersey have ordered teachers to get vaccinated.

It's unlikely that Missouri governor Mike Parson, a Republican, would issue a statewide vaccine mandate for public schools, having spoken in favor of local district control in the past.

Van Zyl added that such a vaccine mandate for St. Joseph schools would not come from the local level, either.

"That would come from some place other than the school board," Van Zyl explained. "It'd be coming from the state or federal government, and we're just waiting to see how that all plays out."

In a&nbsp; COVID vaccine survey sent out to the St. Joseph School district's 1,500 employees, 900 of them responded, and between 70 and 80 percent of those 900 are at least partially vaccinated against COVID, according to Van Zyl.

"We have a pretty decent percentage, but like most other places, not everybody is vaccinated."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611776593199.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Schools superintendent Doug Van Zyl. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Schools superintendent Doug Van Zyl. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA mask mandate remains in place at the St. Joseph School District, but local COVID numbers are trending in a positive direction, meaning the mandate could end sooner rather than later.The St. Joseph School board voted 5-1 in favor of the mandate in early August, as the local positivity rate was high and the local vaccination rate was low.With the positivity rate in Buchanan County down to six percent, and the vaccination rate over 38 percent, St. Joseph Schools superintendent Doug Van Zyl says things are trending in the right direction."I just keep updating (the board) on where we are at with our positivity rate," Van Zyl said on KFEQ's The Hotline. "With help from Mosaic and from the county and the city health department. So, looks like we're getting closer and we'll decide where we go from there."The school board decided in August that the mask mandate could be lifted if the positivity rate in Buchanan County stays below five percent for two weeks.The board voted 6-1 two weeks ago to keep the mandate in place, as the county's COVID test positivity rate was at 7.51 percent at the time.Dr. Bryan Green, vice president of the school board and a physician at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, says the board's motivation to implement a mask mandate again this year was simply to keep students in school."We very much wanted to keep kids in class as much as possible," Green said. "The positivity rate is one of our best estimates of how active the virus is in the community. We're seeing that rate go down, and we're very thankful for that - both as a medical doctor and as a board of education member."Van Zyl added that the mask mandate, while not the most popular among certain families in the district, has added benefits for parents as well."If their kids have to stay home because they're in quarantine, what are they going to do for the next 10 days?" Van Zyl stated. "They can't just quit working."Dr. Green has also noticed that it's older students who may not&nbsp;especially like wearing masks, and may not wear them much outside of school. But, he says junior high and high school students recognize that mask wearing, right now, is the best way to keep everyone in school and to keep extracurricular activities going at a normal pace."Kids in high school don't want to be forced home," Green noticed. "They want to stay in class, but they also want to be involved in their extracurricular activities. Many of them recognize, 'Yeah, I'm happy to wear a mask if I can continue to try and pursue a more normal life."St. Joseph, and other public school districts in Missouri that have mask requirements in place, are awaiting the results of a lawsuit filed by Missouri's Republican attorney general Eric Schmitt.Schmitt in August filed suit against Columbia Public Schools, seeking a court ruling to prevent the district from requiring masks in the classroom.Hearings in that lawsuit began Tuesday. It's a class action suit, meaning it would apply to any Missouri school district requiring masks. However, a Boone County judge Tuesday dismissed Schmitt's motion to expand the action to every school district in the state that has a mask requirement.Van Zyl told St. Joseph Post in late August, "I believe that Missouri is a local control state and I think communities and towns and cities and school districts have had that ability over the years and to make an adjustment in that now I think could create some challenges down the road.”Another ruling that the St. Joseph School District is watching for is whether or not vaccines will be required for employees of all public schools nationwide.Just last week, a vaccine mandate for New York City schools, the nation’s largest school district, was temporarily halted by a federal appeals court just days before the deadline.Federal vaccine mandates&nbsp;do not explicitly require vaccines for teachers in locally governed schools, but several states like Oregon, California and New Jersey have ordered teachers to get vaccinated.It's unlikely that Missouri governor Mike Parson, a Republican, would issue a statewide vaccine mandate for public schools, having spoken in favor of local district control in the past.Van Zyl added that such a vaccine mandate for St. Joseph schools would not come from the local level, either."That would come from some place other than the school board," Van Zyl explained. "It'd be coming from the state or federal government, and we're just waiting to see how that all plays out."In a&nbsp; COVID vaccine survey sent out to the St. Joseph School district's 1,500 employees, 900 of them responded, and between 70 and 80 percent of those 900 are at least partially vaccinated against COVID, according to Van Zyl."We have a pretty decent percentage, but like most other places, not everybody is vaccinated."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

SJSD optimistic about local COVID numbers, mask mandate remains for now

St.
Joseph health officials report 56 new coronavirus cases since last issuing a
report on Thursday.

The
St. Joseph Health Department also reports the Buchanan County positivity rate
has fallen more than one-and-a-half percentage points, from 7.58% to 6.06%.

The
health department reported 28 new cases on Friday and 28 new cases from over
the weekend, plus Monday.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 25 total patients as of Tuesday morning; 22 in St. Joseph, two one in
Maryville, and one in Albany.

Andrew
County health officials report 11 new coronavirus cases on its COVID-19
Dashboard Monday and 102 active cases.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly
has ordered flags throughout the state to be flown at half-staff to honor
COVID-19 victims as Kansas exceeded 6,000 reported deaths. Kansas reports a
total of 6,024 deaths since the pandemic began. Kansas has reported
slightly more than 400,000 cases since the pandemic began; 1,325
in Doniphan County.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 56 new coronavirus cases since last issuing a
report on Thursday.The
St. Joseph Health Department also reports the Buchanan County positivity rate
has fallen more than one-and-a-half percentage points, from 7.58% to 6.06%.The
health department reported 28 new cases on Friday and 28 new cases from over
the weekend, plus Monday.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 25 total patients as of Tuesday morning; 22 in St. Joseph, two one in
Maryville, and one in Albany.Andrew
County health officials report 11 new coronavirus cases on its COVID-19
Dashboard Monday and 102 active cases.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly
has ordered flags throughout the state to be flown at half-staff to honor
COVID-19 victims as Kansas exceeded 6,000 reported deaths. Kansas reports a
total of 6,024 deaths since the pandemic began. Kansas has reported
slightly more than 400,000 cases since the pandemic began; 1,325
in Doniphan County.

St. Joseph health officials report drop in COVID positivity rate

The St. Joseph Health Department reports 71 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing its official report on Monday.

St. Joseph health officials say there were 29 new cases on
Tuesday, 22 on Wednesday, and 20 Thursday.

Buchanan County has a 7.58% positivity rate.

Andrew County reports eight new coronavirus cases with an
additional COVID-19 related death. Andrew County now reports a total of 26 coronavirus-related
deaths. Andrew County reports 84 active cases on its COVID-19 Dashboard.

Kansas health officials report Doniphan County has a total of
1,320 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating a total of 27 COVID-19
patients; 26 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Health Department reports 71 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing its official report on Monday.St. Joseph health officials say there were 29 new cases on
Tuesday, 22 on Wednesday, and 20 Thursday.Buchanan County has a 7.58% positivity rate.Andrew County reports eight new coronavirus cases with an
additional COVID-19 related death. Andrew County now reports a total of 26 coronavirus-related
deaths. Andrew County reports 84 active cases on its COVID-19 Dashboard.Kansas health officials report Doniphan County has a total of
1,320 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating a total of 27 COVID-19
patients; 26 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

St. Joseph reports 71 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County

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 

Due to a multitude of data entry errors at the state level, the COVID-19 vaccination rate is actually much higher in Buchanan County than what had been previously reported.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services discovered errors and missing information in COVID-19 vaccination records. About 147,000 records were updated to correct the county of residence. About 23,000 of those records were associated with Buchanan County.

That means the percent of Buchanan County residents who are fully vaccinated is actually 35.3 percent - way more than the roughly 22 percent that had been previously reported. That also means over 38 percent of Buchanan County residents have initiated vaccination.

 Examples of errors included missing county, incorrect county, misspelling or using the word ‘saint’ instead of the 'St.' abbreviation.

The city of St. Louis also saw a large increase in its COVID vaccination rate because of these errors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593555447561.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDue to a multitude of data entry errors at the state level, the COVID-19 vaccination rate is actually much higher in Buchanan County than what had been previously reported.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services discovered errors and missing information in COVID-19 vaccination records. About 147,000 records were updated to correct the county of residence. About 23,000 of those records were associated with Buchanan County.That means the percent of Buchanan County residents who are fully vaccinated is actually 35.3 percent - way more than the roughly 22 percent that had been previously reported. That also means over 38 percent of Buchanan County residents have initiated vaccination. Examples of errors included missing county, incorrect county, misspelling or using the word ‘saint’ instead of the 'St.' abbreviation.The city of St. Louis also saw a large increase in its COVID vaccination rate because of these errors.

Buchanan County vaccination rate now much higher due to state data entry errors

St.
Joseph health officials report a bit of an easing of coronavirus trends in
Buchanan County.

St.
Joseph reports 52 new COVID-19 cases since last issuing a formal report, 33 on
Wednesday and 19 on Thursday. The county positivity rate has dropped to 8.17%.

Hospitalization
numbers have fallen as well. Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 21
COVID-19 patients in its system as of Friday morning, 18 in St. Joseph, one in
Maryville, and two in Albany. That is the same total as the day before, but
down from 28 on Tuesday and considerably down from the beginning of August when
Mosaic reported treating 45 COVID-19 patients in its system.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report a bit of an easing of coronavirus trends in
Buchanan County.St.
Joseph reports 52 new COVID-19 cases since last issuing a formal report, 33 on
Wednesday and 19 on Thursday. The county positivity rate has dropped to 8.17%.Hospitalization
numbers have fallen as well. Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 21
COVID-19 patients in its system as of Friday morning, 18 in St. Joseph, one in
Maryville, and two in Albany. That is the same total as the day before, but
down from 28 on Tuesday and considerably down from the beginning of August when
Mosaic reported treating 45 COVID-19 patients in its system.

Buchanan County COVID-19 numbers trending down

St.
Joseph health officials report 118 new coronavirus cases and three COVID-19
related deaths since last issuing a formal report last week.

The
St. Joseph Health Department reports a man in his 30s, another in his 50s, and
a woman in her 60s died after contracting COVID-19. The department reports 37
new cases on Friday with 81 on Tuesday after no reports being issued over the
Labor Day holiday weekend.

The
Buchanan County positivity rate has dropped by nearly three percentage points
to 8.17%.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 23 total COVID-19 patients in its system as of
Wednesday morning; 19 in St. Joseph and four in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 118 new coronavirus cases and three COVID-19
related deaths since last issuing a formal report last week.The
St. Joseph Health Department reports a man in his 30s, another in his 50s, and
a woman in her 60s died after contracting COVID-19. The department reports 37
new cases on Friday with 81 on Tuesday after no reports being issued over the
Labor Day holiday weekend.The
Buchanan County positivity rate has dropped by nearly three percentage points
to 8.17%.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 23 total COVID-19 patients in its system as of
Wednesday morning; 19 in St. Joseph and four in Maryville.

St. Joseph reports 3 new COVID deaths; county positivity rate drops

A growing number of COVID-19 patients in the United States are taking ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug used in livestock, to try and beat the virus.

Medical experts at the local and national levels are saying this is a dangerous idea.

Dr. Scott Folk, Mosaic Life Care's Director of Infectious Diseases, says the Infectious Diseases Society of America, of which he is a member, has found no evidence to support the idea that ivermectin can effectively treat COVID.

"After reviewing the data on ivermectin," Folk said, "the Infectious Diseases Society of America drew the same conclusion, as did the FDA and the CDC. Namely, that the evidence to support safety and efficacy of ivermectin is very low for both hospitalized patients and outpatients."

Ivermectin has been FDA approved for human use in very specific cases. For instance, it's a safe remedy for headlice and other types of parasitic worms and a skin condition called rosacea.

"To be equally clear," Folk said," ivermectin is not approved by the FDA for either the treatment or the prevention of COVID in humans or animals."

Studies done by the National Institutes of Health last year found that large amount of ivermectin did stop COVID from growing within cells inside a test tube at a lab. However, a large amount of the drug was used in that experiment - an amount too large and too dangerous for human use.

"In order to achieve the blood levels necessary to inhibit COVID-19 virus," Folk said, "the dose have to be up to 100-fold higher than what is approved for human use. That, in turn, can lead to adverse affects and toxicities."

Possible side effects of unauthorized use of ivermectin, especially large doses, are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, hives, seizures or even death in some cases.

Most people who seek ivermectin for COVID treatment are those who remain skeptical of the available vaccines. Folk says those who take ivermectin often include those who can't afford a trip to the hospital if they fall severely ill with COVID.

Other reasons for use of ivermectin might include attempts to shorten quarantine time, or prevent the transmission of COVID to others. Dr. Folk reiterates - the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best option for defense against the virus.

"Still, the best means of prevention by far is the vaccines," he said. "But, for patients who have not been vaccinated and who get COVID, the best thing they can do at that point would be to seek medical evaluation to see if they would be a candidate for the monoclonal antibody."

Folk is unaware of any specific cases of patients in the local area using ivermectin as a COVID treatment. While the human form is really only obtained with a prescription, the animal form is usually available at farm goods stores.

The animal form of ivermectin has a higher volume of the active ingredient, because it's typically used to treat large animals like horses and cattle.

While there is ongoing research to determine whether or not ivermectin could be a safe treatment of COVID-19, Folk warns that as of now, there is not enough evidence to support the idea that ivermectin is a safe COVID remedy for humans, and taking the drug outside of clinical trial is dangerous.

"You must remember that (ivermectin) is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of prevention of COVID," Folk said. "So, there's no reason to be using ivermectin today for prevention or treatment of COVID."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631054144976.jpeg" alt="Dr. Scott Folk addresses the dangers of taking ivermectin for human treatment of COVID-19. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Scott Folk addresses the dangers of taking ivermectin for human treatment of COVID-19. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA growing number of COVID-19 patients in the United States are taking ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug used in livestock, to try and beat the virus.Medical experts at the local and national levels are saying this is a dangerous idea.Dr. Scott Folk, Mosaic Life Care's Director of Infectious Diseases, says the Infectious Diseases Society of America, of which he is a member, has found no evidence to support the idea that ivermectin can effectively treat COVID."After reviewing the data on ivermectin," Folk said, "the Infectious Diseases Society of America drew the same conclusion, as did the FDA and the CDC. Namely, that the evidence to support safety and efficacy of ivermectin is very low for both hospitalized patients and outpatients."Ivermectin has been FDA approved for human use in very specific cases. For instance, it's a safe remedy for headlice and other types of parasitic worms and a skin condition called rosacea."To be equally clear," Folk said," ivermectin is not approved by the FDA for either the treatment or the prevention of COVID in humans or animals."Studies done by the National Institutes of Health last year found that large amount of ivermectin did stop COVID from growing within cells inside a test tube at a lab. However, a large amount of the drug was used in that experiment - an amount too large and too dangerous for human use."In order to achieve the blood levels necessary to inhibit COVID-19 virus," Folk said, "the dose have to be up to 100-fold higher than what is approved for human use. That, in turn, can lead to adverse affects and toxicities."Possible side effects of unauthorized use of ivermectin, especially large doses, are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, hives, seizures or even death in some cases.Most people who seek ivermectin for COVID treatment are those who remain skeptical of the available vaccines. Folk says those who take ivermectin often include those who can't afford a trip to the hospital if they fall severely ill with COVID.Other reasons for use of ivermectin might include attempts to shorten quarantine time, or prevent the transmission of COVID to others. Dr. Folk reiterates - the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best option for defense against the virus."Still, the best means of prevention by far is the vaccines," he said. "But, for patients who have not been vaccinated and who get COVID, the best thing they can do at that point would be to seek medical evaluation to see if they would be a candidate for the monoclonal antibody."Folk is unaware of any specific cases of patients in the local area using ivermectin as a COVID treatment. While the human form is really only obtained with a prescription, the animal form is usually available at farm goods stores.The animal form of ivermectin has a higher volume of the active ingredient, because it's typically used to treat large animals like horses and cattle.While there is ongoing research to determine whether or not ivermectin could be a safe treatment of COVID-19, Folk warns that as of now, there is not enough evidence to support the idea that ivermectin is a safe COVID remedy for humans, and taking the drug outside of clinical trial is dangerous."You must remember that (ivermectin) is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of prevention of COVID," Folk said. "So, there's no reason to be using ivermectin today for prevention or treatment of COVID."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic Infectious Diseases Specialist: Don't take ivermectin to treat COVID

St.
Joseph health officials report 102 new cases of coronavirus since last
reporting on Monday.

The
St. Joseph Health Department reports 31 new cases on Tuesday, 43 on Wednesday,
and 28 on Thursday.

Buchanan
County has recorded 14,197 total cases since the coronavirus pandemic
began with 209 deaths, according to the St. Joseph Health Department. 

Buchanan
County now has a 10.62% positivity rate.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 27 total patients in its system as of Thursday morning with
26 being treated at the St. Joseph hospital and one being treated in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 102 new cases of coronavirus since last
reporting on Monday.The
St. Joseph Health Department reports 31 new cases on Tuesday, 43 on Wednesday,
and 28 on Thursday.Buchanan
County has recorded 14,197 total cases since the coronavirus pandemic
began with 209 deaths, according to the St. Joseph Health Department. Buchanan
County now has a 10.62% positivity rate.Mosaic
Life Care reports 27 total patients in its system as of Thursday morning with
26 being treated at the St. Joseph hospital and one being treated in Maryville.

St. Joseph records 102 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,195 to a total of 373,171, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 24 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,581.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630519048780.png" alt="Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Sept. 1, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 4,195 new cases, 24 more COVID deaths

St. Joseph health officials report 89 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing an official report on Thursday, with one additional coronavirus-related
death.

The St. Joseph Health Department also reports a drop in the
Buchanan County positivity rate.

The department reports 30 new cases on Friday and 59
cumulative between Saturday and Monday. A woman in her 70s has died of a coronavirus-related
illness. Buchanan County has now recorded 209 deaths since the pandemic began.

The Buchanan County positivity rate has fallen more than two
percentage points to 10.62%.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 24 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 22 in St. Joseph and two in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 89 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing an official report on Thursday, with one additional coronavirus-related
death.The St. Joseph Health Department also reports a drop in the
Buchanan County positivity rate.The department reports 30 new cases on Friday and 59
cumulative between Saturday and Monday. A woman in her 70s has died of a coronavirus-related
illness. Buchanan County has now recorded 209 deaths since the pandemic began.The Buchanan County positivity rate has fallen more than two
percentage points to 10.62%.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 24 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 22 in St. Joseph and two in Maryville.

St. Joseph reports drop in county COVID-19 positivity rate

Mosaic Life Care reports a drop in COVID-19 hospitalization
numbers.

Mosaic reports that as of Monday morning it is treating 24
total COVID patients in its system; 22 in St. Joseph and two in Maryville.

Mosaic had been reporting between 40 and 50 coronavirus
patients the past couple of weeks and reported nearly 40 patients going into
the weekend. It reported 24 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph and one in
Maryville on Sunday morning.

The St. Joseph Health Department makes its official report
this afternoon. It reported 30 new coronavirus cases in Buchanan County on
Friday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports a drop in COVID-19 hospitalization
numbers.Mosaic reports that as of Monday morning it is treating 24
total COVID patients in its system; 22 in St. Joseph and two in Maryville.Mosaic had been reporting between 40 and 50 coronavirus
patients the past couple of weeks and reported nearly 40 patients going into
the weekend. It reported 24 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph and one in
Maryville on Sunday morning.The St. Joseph Health Department makes its official report
this afternoon. It reported 30 new coronavirus cases in Buchanan County on
Friday.

Mosaic reports drop in COVID hospitalization numbers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.

The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.

“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”

The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, a milestone that may help lift public confidence in the shots as the nation battles the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet.The vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech now carries the strongest endorsement from the Food and Drug Administration, which has never before had so much evidence to judge a shot’s safety. More than 200 million Pfizer doses already have been administered in the U.S. — and hundreds of millions more worldwide — since emergency use began in December.“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”The U.S. becomes the first country to fully approve the shot, according to Pfizer, and CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement he hoped the decision “will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives.”

FDA gives full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

The University of Kansas Health System

The number of COVID patients at The 
University of Kansas Health System is steady today. 62 people with the 
active virus are being treated, down from 63 yesterday. Only 14 of those
 active patients are vaccinated, and all of them have underlying 
conditions such as solid organ transplants, immunosuppression, cancer, 
lung and heart disease and diabetes. They range in age from 19 to 99 
with the average age in the mid 50’s. 21 of the active patients are in 
the ICU, the same as yesterday. 14 patients are on ventilators, down 
from 16 yesterday. 23 other patients are still hospitalized because of 
COVID but are out of the acute infection phase, up from 22 yesterday. 
That’s a total of 85 patients, the same as yesterday. HaysMed has 10&nbsp; total patients, up from nine yesterday. 

On today’s 
Morning Medical Update, we heard more about the risk to immune 
compromised patients, plus when and how to get a booster 
vaccine.&nbsp;Joining the panel were Peter Jouras who is a bone marrow 
recipient, and Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Division Director, Hematologic 
Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics and Medical Director, Blood and 
Marrow Transplant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Dr. McGuirk discussed new CDC 
guidelines allowing a booster shot for immunocompromised patients. He 
says it really should not be considered a booster but a primary attempt 
at protecting that patient population, and he described the various 
conditions that make someone eligible. He warns that even a third dose 
might not be adequate for some of these patients, and they need to 
continue wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, something they did long 
before COVID. To show the level of vaccine resistance, he recounted what
 he calls a “deeply troubling” story of a 32-year-old nurse who 
contracted leukemia a year and a half ago. She underwent treatment and 
recovered, after almost dying in the ICU. She then had a bone marrow 
transplant and is in complete remission. She has been vaccinated, but 
her husband did not believe in the vaccine for himself or their four 
children. Now because of her low immunity, she’s now got COVID pneumonia
 and her husband is very ill with the virus. In Dr. McGuirk’s words, 
“It’s completely unacceptable and I’ll just be frank, it’s 
irresponsible.” He explained his staff is actively contacting patients 
to coordinate the third shot and suggests any immunocompromised patient 
get one at a pharmacy, even if they have not heard from their doctor. He
 implores everyone to get vaccinated and wear a mask, especially in a 
grocery store, both for themselves and those around them who may be 
immunocompromised. 

Peter Jouras is a bone marrow 
transplant recipient and Dr. McGuirk’s patient. He has no immunity, even
 with two doses of the COVID vaccine, but will be getting his third shot
 next week, in the hopes of mounting some response. He has three 
children in the house between 9 and 13 who spent last year doing online 
classes from home. This year they are all going back to the classrooms. 
He’s glad his children are in the Shawnee Mission School District, which
 requires masks, which should help, but Peter worries about what they 
might bring home. Right now, all of the kids hit the shower as soon as 
they come home, and their clothes go straight to the laundry. He says 
they don’t wear masks in the house, but thinks if the Delta variant 
continues to spread, he may become more isolated into a bedroom. He says
 very bluntly, “If we all tell the truth, it’s not vaccine that’s the 
problem. It’s not Delta that’s the problem. It’s not COVID that’s the 
problem. It’s disinformation that’s the problem.” He begs everyone to 
get vaccinated, saying, “Each day is very precious. And so everybody who
 gets vaccinated, basically I think about that adding one day to my 
life. And I’m very thankful for every single person I see who gets 
vaccinated.”

Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical 
director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas
 Health System, thinks temperature screenings at building entrances 
offer little benefit for the amount of disease they detect because 
people can spread the virus without having any symptoms. The exception 
is healthcare settings, which still required them under federal 
regulations. He also discussed word that the Biden administration may 
announce additional dosing for the general population. In response to a 
question about how much our body can take of “all these preservatives 
and things” in the vaccine, he says there are no preservatives of any 
kind in them. He also says any boosters will not need to have their 
ingredients “tweaked” to cover the new variants as they still offer good
 protection. He adds that no one vaccine is better than another in 
offering protection for the virus. To those who want to believe the 
vaccine doesn’t work because a third dose may be needed, he reminds us 
we already have additional dosing for things like the flu and tetanus.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qT7iRrMylaQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas Health SystemThe number of COVID patients at The 
University of Kansas Health System is steady today. 62 people with the 
active virus are being treated, down from 63 yesterday. Only 14 of those
 active patients are vaccinated, and all of them have underlying 
conditions such as solid organ transplants, immunosuppression, cancer, 
lung and heart disease and diabetes. They range in age from 19 to 99 
with the average age in the mid 50’s. 21 of the active patients are in 
the ICU, the same as yesterday. 14 patients are on ventilators, down 
from 16 yesterday. 23 other patients are still hospitalized because of 
COVID but are out of the acute infection phase, up from 22 yesterday. 
That’s a total of 85 patients, the same as yesterday. HaysMed has 10&nbsp; total patients, up from nine yesterday. On today’s 
Morning Medical Update, we heard more about the risk to immune 
compromised patients, plus when and how to get a booster 
vaccine.&nbsp;Joining the panel were Peter Jouras who is a bone marrow 
recipient, and Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Division Director, Hematologic 
Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics and Medical Director, Blood and 
Marrow Transplant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629227215027.png" alt="Peter Jouras, bone marrow recipient" />
 <figcaption>Peter Jouras, bone marrow recipient</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. McGuirk discussed new CDC 
guidelines allowing a booster shot for immunocompromised patients. He 
says it really should not be considered a booster but a primary attempt 
at protecting that patient population, and he described the various 
conditions that make someone eligible. He warns that even a third dose 
might not be adequate for some of these patients, and they need to 
continue wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, something they did long 
before COVID. To show the level of vaccine resistance, he recounted what
 he calls a “deeply troubling” story of a 32-year-old nurse who 
contracted leukemia a year and a half ago. She underwent treatment and 
recovered, after almost dying in the ICU. She then had a bone marrow 
transplant and is in complete remission. She has been vaccinated, but 
her husband did not believe in the vaccine for himself or their four 
children. Now because of her low immunity, she’s now got COVID pneumonia
 and her husband is very ill with the virus. In Dr. McGuirk’s words, 
“It’s completely unacceptable and I’ll just be frank, it’s 
irresponsible.” He explained his staff is actively contacting patients 
to coordinate the third shot and suggests any immunocompromised patient 
get one at a pharmacy, even if they have not heard from their doctor. He
 implores everyone to get vaccinated and wear a mask, especially in a 
grocery store, both for themselves and those around them who may be 
immunocompromised. Peter Jouras is a bone marrow 
transplant recipient and Dr. McGuirk’s patient. He has no immunity, even
 with two doses of the COVID vaccine, but will be getting his third shot
 next week, in the hopes of mounting some response. He has three 
children in the house between 9 and 13 who spent last year doing online 
classes from home. This year they are all going back to the classrooms. 
He’s glad his children are in the Shawnee Mission School District, which
 requires masks, which should help, but Peter worries about what they 
might bring home. Right now, all of the kids hit the shower as soon as 
they come home, and their clothes go straight to the laundry. He says 
they don’t wear masks in the house, but thinks if the Delta variant 
continues to spread, he may become more isolated into a bedroom. He says
 very bluntly, “If we all tell the truth, it’s not vaccine that’s the 
problem. It’s not Delta that’s the problem. It’s not COVID that’s the 
problem. It’s disinformation that’s the problem.” He begs everyone to 
get vaccinated, saying, “Each day is very precious. And so everybody who
 gets vaccinated, basically I think about that adding one day to my 
life. And I’m very thankful for every single person I see who gets 
vaccinated.”Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical 
director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas
 Health System, thinks temperature screenings at building entrances 
offer little benefit for the amount of disease they detect because 
people can spread the virus without having any symptoms. The exception 
is healthcare settings, which still required them under federal 
regulations. He also discussed word that the Biden administration may 
announce additional dosing for the general population. In response to a 
question about how much our body can take of “all these preservatives 
and things” in the vaccine, he says there are no preservatives of any 
kind in them. He also says any boosters will not need to have their 
ingredients “tweaked” to cover the new variants as they still offer good
 protection. He adds that no one vaccine is better than another in 
offering protection for the virus. To those who want to believe the 
vaccine doesn’t work because a third dose may be needed, he reminds us 
we already have additional dosing for things like the flu and tetanus.

🎥 Doctors talk COVID boosters and the immune-compromised

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.

Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.

An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.

Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.

The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.

Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.

Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.

Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.

For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated would be needed as early as this fall, reviewing case numbers in the U.S. as well as the situation in other countries such as Israel, where preliminary studies suggest the vaccine’s protection against serious illness dropped among those vaccinated in January.An announcement on the U.S. booster recommendation was expected as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.Doses would only begin to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.Last week, U.S. health officials recommended boosters for some with weakened immune systems, citing their higher risk of catching the virus and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness waned over time.The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, said Sunday the U.S. could decide in the next couple weeks whether to offer coronavirus booster shots to Americans this fall.Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated once the shots received emergency use authorization last December.Since then, more than 198 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with more than 168 million fully vaccinated. Still, the country is experiencing a fourth surge of virus cases due to the more transmissible delta variant, which is spreading aggressively through unvaccinated communities but is also responsible for an increasing number of so-called “breakthrough infections” of fully vaccinated people.Israel, which exclusively administered the Pfizer shot, has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in an effort to control its own surge in cases from the delta variant.For months, officials had said data still indicated that people remain highly protected from COVID-19, including the delta variant, after receiving the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna regimen or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. But U.S. health officials made clear Sunday they are preparing for the possibility that the time for boosters may come sooner than later.“There is a concern that the vaccine may start to wane in its effectiveness,” Collins said. “And delta is a nasty one for us to try to deal with. The combination of those two means we may need boosters, maybe beginning first with health care providers, as well as people in nursing homes, and then gradually moving forward” with others, such as older Americans who were among the first to get vaccinations.He said because the delta variant only started hitting the U.S. hard in July, the “next couple of weeks” of case data will help the U.S. make a decision.Officials were continuing to collect information as well about the J&amp;J vaccine, which was only approved in the U.S. in late February, to determine when to recommend boosters, one of the officials said.The White House has said that even though the U.S. has begun sharing more than 110 million vaccine doses with the world, the nation has enough domestic supply to deliver boosters to Americans should they be recommended by health officials.Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.

Coronavirus Update