City-County Directed Health Measure Set To Expire Wednesday

(KFOR NEWS November 23, 2021) The current Directed Health Measure for Lincoln and Lancaster County is set to expire Wednesday (11/24). There is speculation Health Director, Pat Lopez, will be extended given last week’s record setting single day COVID-19 count of 253 set on November 16th.

For November 22nd, the case count was 93. Add to that, 87 from Saturday and 48 from Sunday and the total number of cases is 43,937 since the pandemic began.

There are no new reported deaths of people with COVID-19. The total number of deaths is 325

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients: 92 with 61 from Lancaster County (7 on ventilators) and 31 from other communities (8 on ventilators). Note: This includes patients who no longer test positive for COVID-19 but continue to be hospitalized.

Risk Dial: mid-orange, high risk of COVID-19 spread and impact in the community

Directed Health Measure: The current DHM is effective through November 24 and includes a mask requirement for all individuals ages 2 and older regardless of vaccination status. More information on the health measure and masks is available at lincoln.ne.gov/DHM and lincoln.ne.gov/mask.

Vaccinations administered:

Initiated vaccinations (first doses): 211,199
Completed vaccinations (second doses and J&J vaccine): 197,046
Lancaster County residents who are fully vaccinated: 61.4%

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) is now focusing on fully vaccinating 75% of the entire population of Lancaster County. Those experiencing some of the most severe outcomes from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Ensuring that residents have ongoing opportunities to receive COVID-19 vaccine remains a priority. The Health Department will continue to work with community partners to host clinics that are accessible, convenient and close to home.

Vaccinations: The delta variant is circulating at high levels in Lancaster County and continues to impact the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Every person vaccinated creates needed protection for the community. LLCHD strongly urges everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccination helps prevent severe illness, saves lives, and slows further spread of the virus. Residents age 5 and older are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Find a clinic near you at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. Walk-ins are welcome or schedule an appointment. Residents can also find a local pharmacy offering vaccinations at vaccines.gov or by texting their ZIP code to 438829.

Those who do not have online access or who need assistance with registration or scheduling may call LLCHD at 402-441-4200 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Upcoming vaccination clinics (schedule subject to change; walk-ins welcome at all locations except vaccination clinics for children ages 5 to 11, which are by appointment only):

Tuesday, November 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., LLCHD, 3131 “O” St. – first and second doses, Pfizer and Moderna booster doses
Monday, November 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., LLCHD – first and second doses for children ages 5 to 11; 4 to 7 p.m., Lincoln High School, 2229 “J” St., first and second doses for children ages 5 to 11
Tuesday, November 30, 4 to 7 p.m., LLCHD – first and second doses for children ages 5 to 11

Vaccine for children ages 5 to 11

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. LLCHD is partnering with school districts to host vaccination clinics for this age group at local high schools and other locations in the city and county. Parents and guardians can now complete the quick and simple registration process and schedule an appointment online at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. LLCHD is also contacting those with children already in the registration system to schedule an appointment. People who don’t have online access or need assistance can call 402-441-4200.

Booster doses

The CDC has approved booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines. LLCHD is currently providing booster doses to anyone who falls within the current CDC recommendations. LLCHD is providing Pfizer and Moderna booster doses at some clinics. Types of booster doses being offered are noted on the clinic schedule. LLCHD is contacting eligible vaccine recipients to schedule booster dose appointments.

On November 19, the CDC expanded recommendations for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster doses to all adults age 18 and older. LLCHD plans to expand booster dose clinics to all adults this week. Clinic dates are being determined. Additional details will be provided in the near future.

Pfizer and Moderna booster CDC recommendations:

Pfizer and Moderna booster doses are currently approved for adults age 18 and older at six months after a second dose.

Johnson & Johnson booster CDC recommendation:

Booster doses of the J&J vaccine are now recommended two or more months after the initial dose. J&J boosters are being offered at several local pharmacies.

CDC recommendations also allow people to choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some may prefer to get the same type of vaccine that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster.

Several local pharmacies also provide booster doses to all ages and groups that are eligible, and many offer all three types of COVID-19 vaccines. Find a pharmacy near you at vaccines.gov or by texting your zip code to 438829.