&nbsp; The Pottawatomie County Health Department, collaborating with Wamego Health Center, is providing COVID-19 vaccines during the Tulip Festival in Wamego this weekend.&nbsp; They will be dispensed on Saturday from 10 a.m.until 2 p.m., and Sunday 11a.m. to3 p.m. at the Wamego Senior Center.&nbsp; 

Schedule your appointment now at&nbsp;<a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php" target="_blank">https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php</a>

&nbsp; The Pottawatomie County Health Department, collaborating with Wamego Health Center, is providing COVID-19 vaccines during the Tulip Festival in Wamego this weekend.&nbsp; They will be dispensed on Saturday from 10 a.m.until 2 p.m., and Sunday 11a.m. to3 p.m. at the Wamego Senior Center.&nbsp; Schedule your appointment now at&nbsp;<a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php" target="_blank">https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php</a>

Covid-19 vaccinations will be available during Tulip Festival

Pottawatomie County officials said as of Wednesday, the Moderna vaccine is available. Contact the Pottawatomie County Health Department at 785-457-3719 if you have any questions related to the information released on to the Janssen vaccine and the resulting “pause” in administering it. Additional information regarding the Janssen Vaccine will be released once it’s available.

Pottawatomie County officials said as of Wednesday, the Moderna vaccine is available. Contact the Pottawatomie County Health Department at 785-457-3719 if you have any questions related to the information released on to the Janssen vaccine and the resulting “pause” in administering it. Additional information regarding the Janssen Vaccine will be released once it’s available.

Moderna vaccine is available in Pottawatomie County

&nbsp;Riley County health officials have identified 28 new positive coronavirus cases and 16 additional recoveries since the last report on April 7, 2021.&nbsp;

The percent of positive cases for the week of April 7&nbsp; was 2.1%. That translates to 33 of the 1,582 tests performed coming back positive. This is the eleventh week in a row that Riley County has seen the percent of positive cases below 5%.&nbsp;

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for one COVID-positive patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at this time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Riley County health officials have identified 28 new positive coronavirus cases and 16 additional recoveries since the last report on April 7, 2021.&nbsp;The percent of positive cases for the week of April 7&nbsp; was 2.1%. That translates to 33 of the 1,582 tests performed coming back positive. This is the eleventh week in a row that Riley County has seen the percent of positive cases below 5%.&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for one COVID-positive patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at this time.&nbsp;

COVID-19 numbers increase

TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. 

A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. 

This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-0O-9-5IJTolc4wspUsudU4lji1mIZypKY8N4R-85iQ/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.

“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”

Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzE2MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1pbi1LYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.a6rqq0vuenhfl1r_L-wUWD8_7IdAZBLRbMDQNKguKPM/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 dashboard</a>&nbsp;under the “Variants” tab.

“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.

Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvMjgwL0NPVklELTE5LVRlc3Rpbmc_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s-jifUbFDBcqbLVz4HKQIs6RcJ95wptgslZfZQG_61o/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="VIrus variant image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>VIrus variant image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the Brazilian or P.1 variant has been identified in an individual in Sedgwick County. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as, if others may have been exposed. No further details will be released concerning the patient, including demographics.The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).The P.1 variant was originally identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant was detected in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 and has been&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmFuc21pc3Npb24vdmFyaWFudC1jYXNlcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.-0O-9-5IJTolc4wspUsudU4lji1mIZypKY8N4R-85iQ/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">found in 31 states and territories</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. At this point, there is still much to learn about the transmission characteristics and potential severity of the P.1 variant. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618343095662.png" alt="Tuesday April 13, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday April 13, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Two other variants of concern have been identified in Kansas, including the UK variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351. Variant information in Kansas can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzE2MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1pbi1LYW5zYXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.a6rqq0vuenhfl1r_L-wUWD8_7IdAZBLRbMDQNKguKPM/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 dashboard</a>&nbsp;under the “Variants” tab.“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTMuMzg3MDgwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvMjgwL0NPVklELTE5LVRlc3Rpbmc_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.s-jifUbFDBcqbLVz4HKQIs6RcJ95wptgslZfZQG_61o/s/1305913448/br/101976527309-l" target="_blank">www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing</a>.

Brazilian COVID variant identified in Kansas

RILEY COUNTY, KS —In accordance with guidance from the CDC and FDA, Riley County will pause the administration of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine until further notice.&nbsp;

The federal agencies say they are reviewing six cases nationwide of a rare type of blood clot in people who have received the J &amp; J vaccine. Nearly 7 million doses have been administered across the country.&nbsp;

“In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination,” explained the FDA and CDC in a press release.&nbsp;

To date, through Riley County’s program to vaccinate those who are homebound, a partnership with RADxUP, and a reallocation of vaccines to Lafene Health Center at Kansas State University, Dunne’s and Barry’s in which those organizations administered the doses, 1,571 individuals have received&nbsp;the&nbsp;Johnson and Johnson vaccine&nbsp;via the Health Department.&nbsp;

“To the best of our knowledge, no one who received a J &amp; J vaccine from Riley County Health Department has had any issues with blood clots or other serious side effects. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance as issued by KDHE and the federal government,” explained Julie Gibbs, the Riley County Health Department Director.&nbsp;

Riley County currently does not have any clinics scheduled in which the J &amp; J vaccine will be administered. Most of the vaccines that it has been issued are Moderna, which has not had any reports of a similar side effect.&nbsp;

“Please keep in mind that these findings are new and more research needs to be completed before concluding that all 6 cases are side effects from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine,” said Gibbs.&nbsp;

The FDA advises that those who received the J &amp; J vaccine contact their health care provider if they develop: severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.&nbsp;

Health care providers are asked to report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=27ef2247bc&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html</a>”&nbsp;

“The pause is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot,” added the CDC and FDA.&nbsp;

<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=22a14b2966&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">CDC STATEMENT</a>

RILEY COUNTY, KS —In accordance with guidance from the CDC and FDA, Riley County will pause the administration of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine until further notice.&nbsp;The federal agencies say they are reviewing six cases nationwide of a rare type of blood clot in people who have received the J &amp; J vaccine. Nearly 7 million doses have been administered across the country.&nbsp;“In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination,” explained the FDA and CDC in a press release.&nbsp;To date, through Riley County’s program to vaccinate those who are homebound, a partnership with RADxUP, and a reallocation of vaccines to Lafene Health Center at Kansas State University, Dunne’s and Barry’s in which those organizations administered the doses, 1,571 individuals have received&nbsp;the&nbsp;Johnson and Johnson vaccine&nbsp;via the Health Department.&nbsp;Riley County Health Department: 41 dosesRADxUP: 235 dosesLafene Health Center: 1,095 dosesDunne’s: 100Barry’s: 100&nbsp;“To the best of our knowledge, no one who received a J &amp; J vaccine from Riley County Health Department has had any issues with blood clots or other serious side effects. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance as issued by KDHE and the federal government,” explained Julie Gibbs, the Riley County Health Department Director.&nbsp;Riley County currently does not have any clinics scheduled in which the J &amp; J vaccine will be administered. Most of the vaccines that it has been issued are Moderna, which has not had any reports of a similar side effect.&nbsp;“Please keep in mind that these findings are new and more research needs to be completed before concluding that all 6 cases are side effects from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine,” said Gibbs.&nbsp;The FDA advises that those who received the J &amp; J vaccine contact their health care provider if they develop: severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.&nbsp;Health care providers are asked to report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=27ef2247bc&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html</a>”&nbsp;“The pause is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot,” added the CDC and FDA.&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=22a14b2966&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">CDC STATEMENT</a>

Riley County pauses administration of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in administration of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.

U.S. federal distribution channels, including mass vaccination sites, will pause the use of the J&amp;J shot, and states and other providers are expected to follow.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Wednesday to discuss the cases and the FDA has also launched an investigation of the cases.

“Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC and Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said in a joint statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in administration of the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.U.S. federal distribution channels, including mass vaccination sites, will pause the use of the J&amp;J shot, and states and other providers are expected to follow.CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Wednesday to discuss the cases and the FDA has also launched an investigation of the cases.“Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC and Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said in a joint statement.

US recommends 'pause' of Johnson & Johnson vaccine 

The Pottawatomie County Health Department collaborating with the Wamego Health Center will be giving Johnson &amp; Johnson one-time dose COVID-19 shots at the Tulip Festival in Wamego this weekend. The vaccine will be provided from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Wamego Senior Center.

Schedule your appointment now at <a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php">https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php</a>

The Pottawatomie County Health Department collaborating with the Wamego Health Center will be giving Johnson &amp; Johnson one-time dose COVID-19 shots at the Tulip Festival in Wamego this weekend. The vaccine will be provided from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Wamego Senior Center.Schedule your appointment now at <a href="https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php">https://scheduleacovid-19vaccine-pottawatomiecountyhealthdepartment.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php</a>

COVID-19 vaccine will be conducted in Wamego

There will be a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic for all Veterans, their caregivers or spouses on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Richard J. Seitz Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Junction City. The vaccine being used for this clinic is the one-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

To speed up the check-in process any Veteran or caregiver / spouse can visit VA's Stay Informed page to pre-register and fill out the necessary information automatically placing them into the VA system. Also available is their vaccine scheduling number t 1-800-574-8387, Ext. 54453.

Veterans from the Junction City - Manhattan area utilize the clinic.

There will be a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic for all Veterans, their caregivers or spouses on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Richard J. Seitz Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Junction City. The vaccine being used for this clinic is the one-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.To speed up the check-in process any Veteran or caregiver / spouse can visit VA's Stay Informed page to pre-register and fill out the necessary information automatically placing them into the VA system. Also available is their vaccine scheduling number t 1-800-574-8387, Ext. 54453.Veterans from the Junction City - Manhattan area utilize the clinic.

COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled at the Seitz CBOC

The next two weeks are critical for Riley County to avoid a bump, or increase in COVID-19 numbers. Key to preventing that development will be for people to get vaccinated during that time frame. The advice was provided by Ascension Via Christi CEO Bob Copple during a Manhattan Area Recovery Task Force meeting.

According to information provided by participants during that session about 25,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in Riley County, but some of those went to residents of other area counties. Approximately 30% of the Riley County community has responded to be vaccinated and that number needs to increase to about 80%.

The Riley County Health Department has vaccinated more than 11,700 people with another 7,500-plus receiving the first of two doses. Next week all first doses will be administered at the Health Department and they will be at Pottorf Hall on Thursdays and sometimes Fridays for boosters and second shots. The week of May 5th all of the vaccine efforts will be moved to the Health Department. You can sign up online for an appointment.&nbsp; Vaccines are also available at other locations.

There was a consensus during the meeting that things are trending in the right direction, with the amount of COVID-19 vaccines circulating in the community.

The next two weeks are critical for Riley County to avoid a bump, or increase in COVID-19 numbers. Key to preventing that development will be for people to get vaccinated during that time frame. The advice was provided by Ascension Via Christi CEO Bob Copple during a Manhattan Area Recovery Task Force meeting.According to information provided by participants during that session about 25,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in Riley County, but some of those went to residents of other area counties. Approximately 30% of the Riley County community has responded to be vaccinated and that number needs to increase to about 80%.The Riley County Health Department has vaccinated more than 11,700 people with another 7,500-plus receiving the first of two doses. Next week all first doses will be administered at the Health Department and they will be at Pottorf Hall on Thursdays and sometimes Fridays for boosters and second shots. The week of May 5th all of the vaccine efforts will be moved to the Health Department. You can sign up online for an appointment.&nbsp; Vaccines are also available at other locations.There was a consensus during the meeting that things are trending in the right direction, with the amount of COVID-19 vaccines circulating in the community.

COVID-19 recovery is a focus

Pottawatomie County officials said Friday that Ascension Via Christi Hospital will have a vaccine clinic available in Wamego at the Tulip Festival next weekend, April 17th and 18th. Shots of the single dose Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine will be available on a first come first served basis.

Pottawatomie County reported three new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases on Friday and five recovered cases. There are five active cases in the county and no one is hospitalized.

Pottawatomie County officials said Friday that Ascension Via Christi Hospital will have a vaccine clinic available in Wamego at the Tulip Festival next weekend, April 17th and 18th. Shots of the single dose Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine will be available on a first come first served basis.Pottawatomie County reported three new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases on Friday and five recovered cases. There are five active cases in the county and no one is hospitalized.

COVID-19 clinic is scheduled for April 17-18 in Wamego

Riley County Health officials said that there will be a vaccine clinic at the Douglass Center, 900 Yuma Street, on Friday from 3-5 p.m. There is no out of money expense.

There will be a limited supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine available for anyone 18 and older. To schedule an appointment call 785-565-6560.

Riley County Health officials said that there will be a vaccine clinic at the Douglass Center, 900 Yuma Street, on Friday from 3-5 p.m. There is no out of money expense.There will be a limited supply of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine available for anyone 18 and older. To schedule an appointment call 785-565-6560.

Vaccine clinic is scheduled at the Douglass Center

Wamego city officials did not take action during their April 6th meeting on the City-wide face mask mandate. So, the current mandate expires this Saturday, April 10th, within the city limits of Wamego.&nbsp;

A resolution was adopted recommending&nbsp; the public remain proactive in preventing the spread of COVID by social distancing and wearing a mask when in large groups. Local businesses and property owners may still have different rules and / or regulations for their establishments.

The information was provided through the Pottawatomie County Community Update email alert.

There were six new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Pottawatomie County on Wednesday, bringing the total number of active cases to seven. There were three recovered cases. No one is hospitalized.

Wamego city officials did not take action during their April 6th meeting on the City-wide face mask mandate. So, the current mandate expires this Saturday, April 10th, within the city limits of Wamego.&nbsp;A resolution was adopted recommending&nbsp; the public remain proactive in preventing the spread of COVID by social distancing and wearing a mask when in large groups. Local businesses and property owners may still have different rules and / or regulations for their establishments.The information was provided through the Pottawatomie County Community Update email alert.There were six new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Pottawatomie County on Wednesday, bringing the total number of active cases to seven. There were three recovered cases. No one is hospitalized.

Face mask mandate expires Saturday in Wamego

Pottawatomie County officials have announced that COVID-19&nbsp; vaccines are still available by appointment only. They will be reviewing their processes and determining if a different approach is feasible. They have encountered issues contacting some of the people on their list, and have been experiencing a number of no-shows at the clinics.&nbsp;

The Health Department is using a new scheduler on a trial basis. Limited options are available for people to sign up and schedule a vaccine directly. If the new system works as expected, and is a feasible alternative for the way things have been processed, the options will be expanded and citizens notified of updates.

Pottawatomie County officials have announced that COVID-19&nbsp; vaccines are still available by appointment only. They will be reviewing their processes and determining if a different approach is feasible. They have encountered issues contacting some of the people on their list, and have been experiencing a number of no-shows at the clinics.&nbsp;The Health Department is using a new scheduler on a trial basis. Limited options are available for people to sign up and schedule a vaccine directly. If the new system works as expected, and is a feasible alternative for the way things have been processed, the options will be expanded and citizens notified of updates.

Pottawatomie County COVID-19 vaccines are still available

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – April 7, 2021) Riley County has identified 27 new positive coronavirus cases and 22 additional recoveries since the last report on March 31, 2021. The percent of positive cases for the week of March 28 was 1.1%. That translates to 20 of the 1,787 tests performed coming back positive. This is the tenth week in a row that Riley County has seen the percent of positive cases below 5%.&nbsp;

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for one person under investigation for COVID in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at this time.&nbsp;

Vaccine appointments are now open to all Riley County residents who have not yet been vaccinated and are over the age of 18. To date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older.

Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest">www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest</a>&nbsp;. You will be asked to register with Riley County, and then you will be directed to our appointment self-scheduler. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please use the link provided in the email. Please call the Riley County Health Department at 785-565-6560 during regular business hours if you would like assistance.

Please note, all first dose appointments after this week will be held at the Riley County Health Department Family and Child Resource Center, 2101 Claflin Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502 in the lower parking lot. Second doses will still be administered at Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park until mid-May.&nbsp;

With the new appointment system, vaccines will only be provided to those who have an appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted.&nbsp;

Two mobile vaccine clinics will be offered this week and next to reach those in the underserved populations of Riley County. As part of a partnership between RADxUP and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, a clinic will be offered at Douglass Center (900 Yuma Street) in Manhattan on Friday from 3 pm to 5 pm and on Monday, April 12 from 3 pm to 5 pm at the First Free Methodist Church (1231 Poyntz Ave). &nbsp;

If you have questions about the vaccine, join us for a Facebook Live on Wednesday, April 7 at 4:30 pm. Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Rebeka Weber, MD, Ob-Gyn at The Women’s Health Group and Riley County Health Department and Segen Chase, MD Internal Medicine Physician at CenterPointe Physicians will be joining us.&nbsp;

Ask questions and learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting Riley County Health Department’s FB page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment</a>

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, April 14. In the future, press releases providing COVID-19 numbers in Riley County will only be released on Wednesdays unless otherwise warranted. &nbsp;

For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine timelines and availability, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1873/Frequently-Asked-Questions?fbclid=IwAR0-LrGhzpIDqbeprOnc1mHRDwEGgFAPX7fvFXHjU4L9zsVks6K_CNKkL5w">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions can also be emailed to vaccine@rileycountyks.gov&nbsp;

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – April 7, 2021) Riley County has identified 27 new positive coronavirus cases and 22 additional recoveries since the last report on March 31, 2021. The percent of positive cases for the week of March 28 was 1.1%. That translates to 20 of the 1,787 tests performed coming back positive. This is the tenth week in a row that Riley County has seen the percent of positive cases below 5%.&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for one person under investigation for COVID in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at this time.&nbsp;Vaccination Updates:&nbsp;Vaccine appointments are now open to all Riley County residents who have not yet been vaccinated and are over the age of 18. To date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older.Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest">www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest</a>&nbsp;. You will be asked to register with Riley County, and then you will be directed to our appointment self-scheduler. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please use the link provided in the email. Please call the Riley County Health Department at 785-565-6560 during regular business hours if you would like assistance.Please note, all first dose appointments after this week will be held at the Riley County Health Department Family and Child Resource Center, 2101 Claflin Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502 in the lower parking lot. Second doses will still be administered at Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park until mid-May.&nbsp;With the new appointment system, vaccines will only be provided to those who have an appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted.&nbsp;Vaccine Operations (RCHD):&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 10,593</li><li>Received dose 1 of 2: 8,317</li>
 </ul>Two mobile vaccine clinics will be offered this week and next to reach those in the underserved populations of Riley County. As part of a partnership between RADxUP and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, a clinic will be offered at Douglass Center (900 Yuma Street) in Manhattan on Friday from 3 pm to 5 pm and on Monday, April 12 from 3 pm to 5 pm at the First Free Methodist Church (1231 Poyntz Ave). &nbsp;Facebook LiveIf you have questions about the vaccine, join us for a Facebook Live on Wednesday, April 7 at 4:30 pm. Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Rebeka Weber, MD, Ob-Gyn at The Women’s Health Group and Riley County Health Department and Segen Chase, MD Internal Medicine Physician at CenterPointe Physicians will be joining us.&nbsp;Ask questions and learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting Riley County Health Department’s FB page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment</a>Riley County Statistics for April 7:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 6,342</li><li>Total active: 28</li><li>Total recovered: 6,278</li><li>Total deaths: 36</li>
 </ul>POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 13 (March 28 - April 3) 1.1%<ul>
 <li>20 positive cases</li><li>1, 787 total tests</li>
 </ul>Week 12 (March 21 - March 27) 1.2%<ul>
 <li>18 positive cases</li><li>1,648 total tests</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 1.17%<ul>
 <li>41 positive&nbsp;</li><li>3,512 total tests</li>
 </ul>The next written update will be published on Wednesday, April 14. In the future, press releases providing COVID-19 numbers in Riley County will only be released on Wednesdays unless otherwise warranted. &nbsp;For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine timelines and availability, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1873/Frequently-Asked-Questions?fbclid=IwAR0-LrGhzpIDqbeprOnc1mHRDwEGgFAPX7fvFXHjU4L9zsVks6K_CNKkL5w">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can also be emailed to vaccine@rileycountyks.gov&nbsp;

Riley County COVID-19 Update

BOSTON (AP) — New research suggests the protection the Moderna vaccine gives against COVID-19 lasts for at least six months.

The report Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine echoes what Pfizer said last week about its vaccine, which works in a similar way.

Both reports were based on follow-up tests in dozens of people who received the shots during studies that led to the vaccines’ use. Those studies were done before troubling new variants, or versions of the coronavirus, had emerged and started to spread.

A separate report in the medical journal adds to concern about the variants. Scientists measured antibodies that can block the virus in 50 people who had been given the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines that were developed in China. Many showed total or partial loss of effectiveness against a virus variant first detected in South Africa.

The vaccines still seemed to protect against a variant first found in the United Kingdom that is now rapidly spreading in the United States and elsewhere.

Pfizer and Moderna have said they are working to update their vaccines, or possibly design a booster shot, in case they’re needed against variants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — New research suggests the protection the Moderna vaccine gives against COVID-19 lasts for at least six months.The report Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine echoes what Pfizer said last week about its vaccine, which works in a similar way.Both reports were based on follow-up tests in dozens of people who received the shots during studies that led to the vaccines’ use. Those studies were done before troubling new variants, or versions of the coronavirus, had emerged and started to spread.A separate report in the medical journal adds to concern about the variants. Scientists measured antibodies that can block the virus in 50 people who had been given the Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines that were developed in China. Many showed total or partial loss of effectiveness against a virus variant first detected in South Africa.The vaccines still seemed to protect against a variant first found in the United Kingdom that is now rapidly spreading in the United States and elsewhere.Pfizer and Moderna have said they are working to update their vaccines, or possibly design a booster shot, in case they’re needed against variants.___

Study: Moderna vaccine lasts at least 6 months

Beginning today, April 5th Riley County Health Department is launching a new online, self-service scheduling system for COVID vaccinations.&nbsp;

After inviting everyone who had registered with the county to receive a vaccine, we are now opening up vaccine appointments to all residents of Riley County who have not yet been vaccinated and are over the age of 18. To date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older.

Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=18b93e0bc6&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest</a>&nbsp;. You will be asked to register with Riley County and then you will be directed to our appointment self-scheduler. Once your appointment is scheduled you will receive a confirmation email. If you need to change or cancel your appointment please use the link provided in the email. If you would like assistance please call the Riley County Health Department at 785-565-6560 during regular business hours

Please note, all first dose appointments after this week will be held at the Riley County Health Department at &nbsp;2030 Tecumseh Rd, Manhattan, KS 66502. Second doses will still be administered at Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park until mid-May.&nbsp;

Beginning today, April 5th Riley County Health Department is launching a new online, self-service scheduling system for COVID vaccinations.&nbsp;After inviting everyone who had registered with the county to receive a vaccine, we are now opening up vaccine appointments to all residents of Riley County who have not yet been vaccinated and are over the age of 18. To date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older.Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=18b93e0bc6&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest</a>&nbsp;. You will be asked to register with Riley County and then you will be directed to our appointment self-scheduler. Once your appointment is scheduled you will receive a confirmation email. If you need to change or cancel your appointment please use the link provided in the email. If you would like assistance please call the Riley County Health Department at 785-565-6560 during regular business hoursPlease note, all first dose appointments after this week will be held at the Riley County Health Department at &nbsp;2030 Tecumseh Rd, Manhattan, KS 66502. Second doses will still be administered at Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park until mid-May.&nbsp;

Riley County health starts a new COVID-19 vaccination service

Pottawatomie County officials report that COVID-19 vaccines are still currently available by appointment only. We will be reviewing our processes and determining if a different approach is feasible. We have been having issues contacting some of the people on our list, and experiencing a number of “no-shows” at the clinics.

If you have not yet received the vaccine, and are still interested in receiving it – whether or not you are on the list, please e-mail pio@pottcounty.org or call 785-457-1432 and your information will be shared with the Health Department in their preparation and planning for the next clinic(s).

There are currently four active COVID-19 cases in the county and no one is hospitalized.

Pottawatomie County officials report that COVID-19 vaccines are still currently available by appointment only. We will be reviewing our processes and determining if a different approach is feasible. We have been having issues contacting some of the people on our list, and experiencing a number of “no-shows” at the clinics.If you have not yet received the vaccine, and are still interested in receiving it – whether or not you are on the list, please e-mail pio@pottcounty.org or call 785-457-1432 and your information will be shared with the Health Department in their preparation and planning for the next clinic(s).There are currently four active COVID-19 cases in the county and no one is hospitalized.

Pottawatomie County will conduct a review of COVID-19 vaccination processes

The Army said this past week that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/covid19?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUySmlzMaiPt6ukVt0YS2oyI_8EFBv0EvqiqqQphX8VqhndV04J6ibHjIF3PJWGgDF9dE8lGhQENTs_a3RVuBlYB_DI1ZVFxX_GKFOe1gMOSjNNOQksHBrT06aRm1p9lZUyeRF4xKpPbH4350KGGvJZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#COVID19</a>&nbsp;vaccine is becoming more readily available both on and off Fort Riley. Those aged 16 and over may use these three methods to schedule vaccination appointments: Military ID card holders can use the Patient Portal at <a href="http://tricareonline.com/?fbclid=IwAR22fXlwYMWVWrSiTvVaa4wIGHu8x1dKBQgRzIEKa8kw5RPnSgCFid6Ctpw" target="_blank">tricareonline.com</a> to schedule appointments with Irwin Army Community Hospital, DOD card holders may call the appointment line at (785) 239-DOCS (or 3627) to schedule appointments with IACH plusTRICARE beneficiaries and all Kansas residents aged 16 and over may wish to consult the CDC VaccineFinder for additional availability.

Visit <a href="https://www.vaccinefinder.org/?fbclid=IwAR1KhLAVzJ8OHBVNQ0W4DcH6DU6gqqIxzCMwaKcTiufm3B2jpRfZ7_JlirE" target="_blank">www.vaccinefinder.org</a> to locate the nearest clinics, pharmacies, or health departments in Kansas and follow their described processes to schedule appointments off-post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Army said this past week that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/covid19?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZUySmlzMaiPt6ukVt0YS2oyI_8EFBv0EvqiqqQphX8VqhndV04J6ibHjIF3PJWGgDF9dE8lGhQENTs_a3RVuBlYB_DI1ZVFxX_GKFOe1gMOSjNNOQksHBrT06aRm1p9lZUyeRF4xKpPbH4350KGGvJZ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#COVID19</a>&nbsp;vaccine is becoming more readily available both on and off Fort Riley. Those aged 16 and over may use these three methods to schedule vaccination appointments: Military ID card holders can use the Patient Portal at <a href="http://tricareonline.com/?fbclid=IwAR22fXlwYMWVWrSiTvVaa4wIGHu8x1dKBQgRzIEKa8kw5RPnSgCFid6Ctpw" target="_blank">tricareonline.com</a> to schedule appointments with Irwin Army Community Hospital, DOD card holders may call the appointment line at (785) 239-DOCS (or 3627) to schedule appointments with IACH plusTRICARE beneficiaries and all Kansas residents aged 16 and over may wish to consult the CDC VaccineFinder for additional availability. Visit <a href="https://www.vaccinefinder.org/?fbclid=IwAR1KhLAVzJ8OHBVNQ0W4DcH6DU6gqqIxzCMwaKcTiufm3B2jpRfZ7_JlirE" target="_blank">www.vaccinefinder.org</a> to locate the nearest clinics, pharmacies, or health departments in Kansas and follow their described processes to schedule appointments off-post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

COVID-19 vaccine availability is reviewed by Fort Riley

Well done was a key message from Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims during a Fort Riley COVID-19 town hall meeting this past week.&nbsp; "We have made a number of adjustments to our COVID mitigation measures. We have adjusted how we dine, whether we are in restaurants, bars, off-post fitness facilities. All those changes are the result of the impact you're having as it relates to personal mitigation measures, our ability to continue to wear masks, to socially distance appropriately and to get after personal hygiene and that's been a big deal."

Sims noted that from where Fort Riley was last November until now there is a major difference. "It's a dramatic difference and again that's because of what you have done."

Sims explained that analysts had projected the Post could be in the 4,000 to 5,000 total case range in early January. In April Fort Riley is not close to half of that number. He added it's hard to refute the fact that what has been done in mitigation has been the contributing factor to that.

"I know it has come at a personal cost in terms of interaction with people. I know it has come at a personal cost in relation to your desire to be inside a gym or inside a restaurant and I acknowledge all those impacts, " said Sims. "I certainly acknowledge the economic impact that we've had on the local community and we've had a number of conversations with our community partners as we've gone along."&nbsp;

Sims also noted it is important to know that we aren't done with the virus. There was a small bubble of case increases related to the spring break period, and those have started to reduce as well. "But COVID is not gone. " Several states have had increased hospitalizations including a bunch of states around Kansas. "We cannot afford to do that here. It would just be silly to go backwards at this point."

The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general said the goals for the installation have not changed. "Our goal is to avoid loss of life, our goals are to avoid hospitalization, our goals are to continue to be able to train and make sure we are operationally ready as required if the nation calls. "

Sims added the goals also include ensuring Fort Riley does not move into a&nbsp; position where the Post is at stay at home&nbsp; so opportunities are lost for spouses to work and children to go school. "We are doing great against those goals but it's important to remember that we're not done yet."

Well done was a key message from Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims during a Fort Riley COVID-19 town hall meeting this past week.&nbsp; "We have made a number of adjustments to our COVID mitigation measures. We have adjusted how we dine, whether we are in restaurants, bars, off-post fitness facilities. All those changes are the result of the impact you're having as it relates to personal mitigation measures, our ability to continue to wear masks, to socially distance appropriately and to get after personal hygiene and that's been a big deal."Sims noted that from where Fort Riley was last November until now there is a major difference. "It's a dramatic difference and again that's because of what you have done."Sims explained that analysts had projected the Post could be in the 4,000 to 5,000 total case range in early January. In April Fort Riley is not close to half of that number. He added it's hard to refute the fact that what has been done in mitigation has been the contributing factor to that."I know it has come at a personal cost in terms of interaction with people. I know it has come at a personal cost in relation to your desire to be inside a gym or inside a restaurant and I acknowledge all those impacts, " said Sims. "I certainly acknowledge the economic impact that we've had on the local community and we've had a number of conversations with our community partners as we've gone along."&nbsp;Sims also noted it is important to know that we aren't done with the virus. There was a small bubble of case increases related to the spring break period, and those have started to reduce as well. "But COVID is not gone. " Several states have had increased hospitalizations including a bunch of states around Kansas. "We cannot afford to do that here. It would just be silly to go backwards at this point."The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general said the goals for the installation have not changed. "Our goal is to avoid loss of life, our goals are to avoid hospitalization, our goals are to continue to be able to train and make sure we are operationally ready as required if the nation calls. "Sims added the goals also include ensuring Fort Riley does not move into a&nbsp; position where the Post is at stay at home&nbsp; so opportunities are lost for spouses to work and children to go school. "We are doing great against those goals but it's important to remember that we're not done yet."

Well done Fort Riley

Health officials in Pottawatomie County remind the public that adults, 18 and older, who live or work in the county are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine through the Pottawatomie County Health Department. Vaccines are still available by appointment only.

If you are interested in the vaccine, you must sign up to be contacted for an appointment. While all adults are now eligible, officials are still trying to concentrate on those with medical conditions and / or work in high-contact professions. Once the vaccine becomes more widely available, it will be faster and easier to inoculate all those who want the vaccine.

Health officials in Pottawatomie County remind the public that adults, 18 and older, who live or work in the county are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine through the Pottawatomie County Health Department. Vaccines are still available by appointment only.If you are interested in the vaccine, you must sign up to be contacted for an appointment. While all adults are now eligible, officials are still trying to concentrate on those with medical conditions and / or work in high-contact professions. Once the vaccine becomes more widely available, it will be faster and easier to inoculate all those who want the vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine sign-ups are possible 

WESTMORELAND, Kan.&nbsp;— The Pottawatomie County Health Department released updated community COVID-19 nuumbers.&nbsp;

There were 17 new confirmed positive cases of Coronavirus in Pottawatomie County, bringing the total for the pandemic to 1,852. Additionally, there have been 1,850 total recoveries.

There is currently one person being hospitalized for COVID-19 in Pottawatomie County.&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>&nbsp;for additional data.&nbsp; This is preliminary data and subject to qualify improvement and quality assurance validations.&nbsp; Some numbers may change.

COVID-19 Vaccine sign-ups:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://pottcounty.govbuilt.com/vaccinesignup" target="_blank">https://pottcounty.govbuilt.com/vaccinesignup</a>&nbsp;or if you would like assistance, call 785-457-1432.&nbsp; If you would like to confirm your name is on the list, please call, or e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pio@pottcounty.org" target="_blank">pio@pottcounty.org</a>.

Adults (18-years of age or older) who live or work in Pottawatomie County are eligible to receive their vaccine through the Pottawatomie County Health Department.&nbsp; Vaccines are still available&nbsp;by appointment only. If you are interested in the vaccine, you must sign-up (see first paragraph above) to be contacted for an appointment.&nbsp; While all adults are now eligible, we are still trying to concentrate on those with medical conditions and/or who work in high-contact professions.&nbsp; Once the vaccine becomes more widely available, it will be faster and easier to inoculate all those who wish the vaccine.

In a news release today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that no cost COVID-19 testing will continue to be available&nbsp;at community testing sites&nbsp;throughout Kansas

WESTMORELAND, Kan.&nbsp;— The Pottawatomie County Health Department released updated community COVID-19 nuumbers.&nbsp;There were 17 new confirmed positive cases of Coronavirus in Pottawatomie County, bringing the total for the pandemic to 1,852. Additionally, there have been 1,850 total recoveries.There is currently one person being hospitalized for COVID-19 in Pottawatomie County.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>&nbsp;for additional data.&nbsp; This is preliminary data and subject to qualify improvement and quality assurance validations.&nbsp; Some numbers may change.COVID-19 Vaccine sign-ups:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://pottcounty.govbuilt.com/vaccinesignup" target="_blank">https://pottcounty.govbuilt.com/vaccinesignup</a>&nbsp;or if you would like assistance, call 785-457-1432.&nbsp; If you would like to confirm your name is on the list, please call, or e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pio@pottcounty.org" target="_blank">pio@pottcounty.org</a>.Adults (18-years of age or older) who live or work in Pottawatomie County are eligible to receive their vaccine through the Pottawatomie County Health Department.&nbsp; Vaccines are still available&nbsp;by appointment only. If you are interested in the vaccine, you must sign-up (see first paragraph above) to be contacted for an appointment.&nbsp; While all adults are now eligible, we are still trying to concentrate on those with medical conditions and/or who work in high-contact professions.&nbsp; Once the vaccine becomes more widely available, it will be faster and easier to inoculate all those who wish the vaccine.In a news release today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that no cost COVID-19 testing will continue to be available&nbsp;at community testing sites&nbsp;throughout Kansas

Pottawatomie County COVID-19 Update

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa&nbsp;—&nbsp;Hy-Vee, Inc. announces Thursday that COVID-19 vaccine is now available at all of the company’s more than 270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations across its eight-state region. This week, Hy-Vee began vaccinating in its eighth state, Wisconsin, through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

Prior to expanding into Wisconsin, Hy-Vee was already a partner of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota, receiving vaccine supply directly from the CDC. Hy-Vee is also vaccinating in Illinois using vaccine allocated from the state.

“Hy-Vee’s rapid COVID-19 vaccine expansion has allowed us to reach key communities in both urban and rural areas across the Midwest,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “Leveraging our team of more than 2,700 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, our fleet of Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobiles and our strategic partnerships that we have built with local organizations, we have been able to make great strides in helping protect our communities from this pandemic.”

Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all Hy-Vee pharmacies by appointment only. Patients should visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine" target="_blank">www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine</a>&nbsp;to register for an appointment once they are eligible according to their state’s guidance. Using the online scheduler, patients can also schedule their second dose appointment (if applicable) when they schedule their first dose appointment, with no account necessary.

In addition to vaccinating at its retail pharmacy locations, Hy-Vee is also working with hundreds of facilities to organize workplace vaccination clinics for front line essential workers and, as state eligibility allows, other workplace employees.

Hy-Vee also offers free COVID-19 lab testing (molecular PCR), rapid antigen COVID-19 testing and rapid antibody testing to test for past COVID-19 infection. To schedule a testing appointment, patients can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/covidtesting" target="_blank">www.hy-vee.com/covidtesting</a>.

Hy-Vee is currently searching for more than 1,000 pharmacy technicians to assist with COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccine administration as more doses become available. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/careers" target="_blank">www.hy-vee.com/careers</a>. In addition to enjoying a number of competitive benefits including a 10% employee discount, competitive pay and flexible scheduling, technicians who assist with the rapid antigen COVID-19 tests are eligible to receive a bonus.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa&nbsp;—&nbsp;Hy-Vee, Inc. announces Thursday that COVID-19 vaccine is now available at all of the company’s more than 270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations across its eight-state region. This week, Hy-Vee began vaccinating in its eighth state, Wisconsin, through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.Prior to expanding into Wisconsin, Hy-Vee was already a partner of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota, receiving vaccine supply directly from the CDC. Hy-Vee is also vaccinating in Illinois using vaccine allocated from the state.“Hy-Vee’s rapid COVID-19 vaccine expansion has allowed us to reach key communities in both urban and rural areas across the Midwest,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “Leveraging our team of more than 2,700 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, our fleet of Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobiles and our strategic partnerships that we have built with local organizations, we have been able to make great strides in helping protect our communities from this pandemic.”Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all Hy-Vee pharmacies by appointment only. Patients should visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine" target="_blank">www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine</a>&nbsp;to register for an appointment once they are eligible according to their state’s guidance. Using the online scheduler, patients can also schedule their second dose appointment (if applicable) when they schedule their first dose appointment, with no account necessary.In addition to vaccinating at its retail pharmacy locations, Hy-Vee is also working with hundreds of facilities to organize workplace vaccination clinics for front line essential workers and, as state eligibility allows, other workplace employees.Hy-Vee also offers free COVID-19 lab testing (molecular PCR), rapid antigen COVID-19 testing and rapid antibody testing to test for past COVID-19 infection. To schedule a testing appointment, patients can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/covidtesting" target="_blank">www.hy-vee.com/covidtesting</a>.Hy-Vee is currently searching for more than 1,000 pharmacy technicians to assist with COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccine administration as more doses become available. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/careers" target="_blank">www.hy-vee.com/careers</a>. In addition to enjoying a number of competitive benefits including a 10% employee discount, competitive pay and flexible scheduling, technicians who assist with the rapid antigen COVID-19 tests are eligible to receive a bonus.

COVID-19 vaccine now at all Hy-Vee pharmacy locations

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – March 31, 2021) Riley County has identified 6 new positive coronavirus cases and 10 additional recoveries since the last report on March 29, 2021.&nbsp; The percent of positive cases for the week of March 21st was 1.1%. That translates to 18 of the 1,648 tests performed coming back positive. This is the ninth week in a row that Riley County has seen the percent of positive cases below 5%.&nbsp;

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is not caring for any positive patients at this time.&nbsp;

Riley County has begun vaccinating those in Phase 5 this week. This means anyone age 16 or older is now eligible to be vaccinated. Please note, to date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older.The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is currently being reserved for those who are homebound and for use at mobile clinics in underserved areas of Riley County. The Pfizer vaccine can be administered to those 16 and older. Vaccine trials are currently underway for children and have not yet been approved by the FDA.&nbsp;

Second doses or "boosters'' will be administered to individuals on Thursday.&nbsp;

With the new appointment system, vaccines will only be provided to those who have an appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please register with Riley County at www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest . If you have already registered, please DO NOT re-register.&nbsp;

Two mobile vaccine clinics will be offered this week to reach those in the underserved populations of Riley County. As part of a partnership between RADxUP and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, a clinic will be offered in Ogden on Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Community Center and in Leonardville on Friday from 11 am to 2 pm at the United Methodist Church. Vaccine supplies are limited, and preference will be given to residents of Ogden and Northern Riley County.

Individuals who are vaccinated should still wear a well-fitting mask that covers both their nose and mouth, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated areas and wash their hands often.&nbsp;

The next written update will be published on Wednesday, April 7th. Going forward, press releases providing COVID-19 numbers in Riley County will only be released on Wednesdays unless otherwise warranted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about Riley County's response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e222a93390&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and follow RCHD on Facebook at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=9673c47426&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>

For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine timelines and availability, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=ba14255acc&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions can also be emailed to vaccine@rileycountyks.gov

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – March 31, 2021) Riley County has identified 6 new positive coronavirus cases and 10 additional recoveries since the last report on March 29, 2021.&nbsp; The percent of positive cases for the week of March 21st was 1.1%. That translates to 18 of the 1,648 tests performed coming back positive. This is the ninth week in a row that Riley County has seen the percent of positive cases below 5%.&nbsp;Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is not caring for any positive patients at this time.&nbsp;Vaccination Updates:&nbsp;Riley County has begun vaccinating those in Phase 5 this week. This means anyone age 16 or older is now eligible to be vaccinated. Please note, to date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older.The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is currently being reserved for those who are homebound and for use at mobile clinics in underserved areas of Riley County. The Pfizer vaccine can be administered to those 16 and older. Vaccine trials are currently underway for children and have not yet been approved by the FDA.&nbsp;Second doses or "boosters'' will be administered to individuals on Thursday.&nbsp;With the new appointment system, vaccines will only be provided to those who have an appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please register with Riley County at www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest . If you have already registered, please DO NOT re-register.&nbsp;Vaccine Operations (RCHD):&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Received dose 2 of 2 (Fully vaccinated): 9,519</li><li>Received dose 1 of 2: 7,220</li>
 </ul>Two mobile vaccine clinics will be offered this week to reach those in the underserved populations of Riley County. As part of a partnership between RADxUP and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, a clinic will be offered in Ogden on Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Community Center and in Leonardville on Friday from 11 am to 2 pm at the United Methodist Church. Vaccine supplies are limited, and preference will be given to residents of Ogden and Northern Riley County.Individuals who are vaccinated should still wear a well-fitting mask that covers both their nose and mouth, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated areas and wash their hands often.&nbsp;Riley County Statistics for March 31:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 6315</li><li>Total active: 23</li><li>Total recovered: 6256</li><li>Total deaths: 36</li>
 </ul>POSITIVE RATE&nbsp;Week 12 (March 21 - March 27) 1.1%<ul>
 <li>18 positive cases</li><li>1648 total tests</li>
 </ul>Week 11 (March 14 - March 20) 1.7%<ul>
 <li>32 positive cases</li><li>1767 total tests</li>
 </ul>Two-week average: 1.43%<ul>
 <li>49 positive&nbsp;</li><li>3431 total tests</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The next written update will be published on Wednesday, April 7th. Going forward, press releases providing COVID-19 numbers in Riley County will only be released on Wednesdays unless otherwise warranted.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about Riley County's response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e222a93390&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and follow RCHD on Facebook at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=9673c47426&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>For general questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine timelines and availability, members of the public can check the FAQ information online at<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=ba14255acc&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.rileycountyks.gov/.../Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can also be emailed to vaccine@rileycountyks.gov

Six new COVID-positive cases in Riley County

Pfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before they head back to school in the fall.

Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus. Pfizer’s vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and older. But vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to stopping the pandemic — and helping schools, at least the upper grades, start to look a little more normal after months of disruption.

In a study of 2,260 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15, preliminary data showed there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among those given dummy shots, Pfizer reported.

It’s a small study, that hasn’t yet been published, so another important piece of evidence is how well the shots revved up the kids’ immune systems. Researchers reported high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, somewhat higher than were seen in studies of young adults.

Kids had side effects similar to young adults, the company said. The main side effects are pain, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in the coming weeks plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European regulators to allow emergency use of the shots starting at age 12.

“We share the urgency to expand the use of our vaccine,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. He expressed “the hope of starting to vaccinate this age group before the start of the next school year” in the United States.

Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Results also are expected soon from a U.S. study of Moderna’s vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds.

But in a sign that the findings were promising, the FDA already allowed both companies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-3c2490cd1bef6221c9b33146fee0fe4c">begin U.S. studies&nbsp;</a>in children 11 and younger, working their way to as young as 6-month-old.

AstraZeneca last month began a study of its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. Johnson &amp; Johnson is planning its own pediatric studies. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.

While most COVID-19 vaccines being used globally were first tested in tens of thousands of adults, pediatric studies won’t need to be nearly as large. Scientists have safety information from those studies and from subsequent vaccinations in millions more adults.

One key question is the dosage: Pfizer gave the 12-and-older participants the same dose adults receive, while testing different doses in younger children.

It’s not clear how quickly the FDA would act on Pfizer’s request to allow vaccination starting at age 12. Another question is when the country would have enough supply of shots — and people to get them into adolescents’ arms — to let kids start getting in line.

Supplies are set to steadily increase over the spring and summer, at the same time states are opening vaccinations to younger, healthier adults who until now haven’t had a turn.

Children represent about 13% of COVID-19 cases documented in the U.S. And while children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill, at least 268 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 13,500 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s more than die from the flu in an average year. Additionally, a small number have developed a serious inflammatory condition linked to the coronavirus.

Caleb Chung, who turns 13 later this week, agreed to volunteer after his father, a Duke University pediatrician, presented the option. He doesn’t know if he received the vaccine or a placebo.

“Usually I’m just at home doing online school and there’s not much I can really do to fight back against the virus,” Caleb said in a recent interview. The study “was really somewhere that I could actually help out.”

His father, Dr. Richard Chung, said he’s proud of his son and all the other children volunteering for the needle pricks, blood tests and other tasks a study entails.

“We need kids to do these trials so that kids can get protected. Adults can’t do that for them,” Chung said.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before they head back to school in the fall.Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus. Pfizer’s vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and older. But vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to stopping the pandemic — and helping schools, at least the upper grades, start to look a little more normal after months of disruption.In a study of 2,260 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15, preliminary data showed there were no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among those given dummy shots, Pfizer reported.It’s a small study, that hasn’t yet been published, so another important piece of evidence is how well the shots revved up the kids’ immune systems. Researchers reported high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, somewhat higher than were seen in studies of young adults.Kids had side effects similar to young adults, the company said. The main side effects are pain, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. The study will continue to track participants for two years for more information about long-term protection and safety.Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in the coming weeks plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European regulators to allow emergency use of the shots starting at age 12.“We share the urgency to expand the use of our vaccine,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. He expressed “the hope of starting to vaccinate this age group before the start of the next school year” in the United States.Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Results also are expected soon from a U.S. study of Moderna’s vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds.But in a sign that the findings were promising, the FDA already allowed both companies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-3c2490cd1bef6221c9b33146fee0fe4c">begin U.S. studies&nbsp;</a>in children 11 and younger, working their way to as young as 6-month-old.AstraZeneca last month began a study of its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. Johnson &amp; Johnson is planning its own pediatric studies. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.ADVERTISEMENTWhile most COVID-19 vaccines being used globally were first tested in tens of thousands of adults, pediatric studies won’t need to be nearly as large. Scientists have safety information from those studies and from subsequent vaccinations in millions more adults.One key question is the dosage: Pfizer gave the 12-and-older participants the same dose adults receive, while testing different doses in younger children.It’s not clear how quickly the FDA would act on Pfizer’s request to allow vaccination starting at age 12. Another question is when the country would have enough supply of shots — and people to get them into adolescents’ arms — to let kids start getting in line.Supplies are set to steadily increase over the spring and summer, at the same time states are opening vaccinations to younger, healthier adults who until now haven’t had a turn.Children represent about 13% of COVID-19 cases documented in the U.S. And while children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill, at least 268 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 13,500 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s more than die from the flu in an average year. Additionally, a small number have developed a serious inflammatory condition linked to the coronavirus.Caleb Chung, who turns 13 later this week, agreed to volunteer after his father, a Duke University pediatrician, presented the option. He doesn’t know if he received the vaccine or a placebo.“Usually I’m just at home doing online school and there’s not much I can really do to fight back against the virus,” Caleb said in a recent interview. The study “was really somewhere that I could actually help out.”His father, Dr. Richard Chung, said he’s proud of his son and all the other children volunteering for the needle pricks, blood tests and other tasks a study entails.“We need kids to do these trials so that kids can get protected. Adults can’t do that for them,” Chung said.___

Pfizer: COVID-19 vaccine effective in kids ages 12 to 15

Riley County has identified 15 new positive coronavirus cases and 41 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, March 24.

On Friday, Governor Kelly announced that starting this week all Kansas counties can begin vaccinating people in Phase 5. This means anyone age 16 or older are now eligible to be vaccinated. Please note, to date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer vaccine can be administered to those 16 and older. Vaccine trials are currently underway for children and have not yet been approved by the FDA.&nbsp;

Riley County will begin vaccinating those in Phase 5 on Tuesday. Second doses or "boosters" will be administered to individuals on Thursday.&nbsp;

Riley County has identified 15 new positive coronavirus cases and 41 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, March 24.Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is not caring for any positive patients at this time.&nbsp;Vaccination Updates:&nbsp;On Friday, Governor Kelly announced that starting this week all Kansas counties can begin vaccinating people in Phase 5. This means anyone age 16 or older are now eligible to be vaccinated. Please note, to date, Riley County Health Department has only received Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines; both can only be administered to those 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer vaccine can be administered to those 16 and older. Vaccine trials are currently underway for children and have not yet been approved by the FDA.&nbsp;Riley County will begin vaccinating those in Phase 5 on Tuesday. Second doses or "boosters" will be administered to individuals on Thursday.&nbsp;With the new appointment system, vaccines will only be provided to those who have an appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please register with Riley County at www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest . If you have already registered, please DO NOT re-register.&nbsp;

Coronavirus Update