COVID-19 is swamping our community hospital, and its workers, while many aren't noticing
FISHERSVILLE — Augusta Health is reporting that the area is experiencing a very high level of COVID-19, which has been the case for several weeks.
The testing positivity rate for the week of January 16 through 22 was 52.3%, with an inpatient COVID-19 census of 48, with eight deaths over the past week, a release said.
Over the weekend from Sunday until Monday, there were 95 new positive cases of COVID diagnosed at Augusta Health testing sites. Over the weekend, there were 111 positive cases reported by Sunday morning, 192 by Saturday morning and 196 by Friday morning.
The cases and other illnesses are also spreading to hospital staff — 89 employees were absent with illness as of Monday.
Augusta Health is pivoting its clinical COVID focus to aggressive outpatient management, the release said.
The hospital is treating infected patients who meet criteria with Monoclonal Antibody infusions (MABS) when supplies are available, the release said. To be qualified to receive a MABS infusion, one must test positive for COVID and have a physician referral.
Last week, Augusta Health received limited doses of Strovimab, so the number of infusions was also limited. There were 53 patients infused, for a total of 930 patients since the clinic was opened. Less than 5% of those who receive a MABS infusion need to be admitted to the hospital later. Augusta Health expects to receive 78 doses this week.
More: 'Heartbroken': Augusta Health, UVA Medical Center face surge of unvaccinated COVID patients
Augusta Health is urging people to vaccinate, wear masks indoors even if vaccinated, wash hands frequently and stay socially distant from others when possible.
Current Vaccination Dose Count at Augusta Health:
Total doses given at Augusta Health Vaccination Clinics: 111,519
Community members fully-vaccinated at AH Vaccination Clinics: 46,986
Boosters: 21,466
Children age 5-11: 2,962
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Vaccinations for children 5-11 years old
To ensure patient safety and awareness of the different dosages for the 5- to 11-year-old age group, there are separate clinics for children 5-11 years old only at the on-campus location. A parent or legal guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of minors.
Vaccine boosters
Anyone 12-years-old and older can receive third-dose COVID-19 booster shots. Children 5- to 11-years-old who are immunocompromised or immune-suppressed can also receive a booster.
When can you get the booster?
At least five months after you completed your Pfizer or Moderna series.
Either the Pfizer or Moderna series, you can get a third dose in 28 days.
Two months after Johnson & Johnson vaccination.
Which booster can you get?
If you are 18-years-old and older, you can get any booster shot you prefer.
If you are 12-years-old and older, you can get a Pfizer booster.
Please make appointments at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
Vaccine-specific clinics
For patient safety concerns, vaccines will be offered on specific days. Make an appointment for a clinic that is offering the vaccine you want. If you are registering for a booster, and are switching vaccine, make an appointment for the type of booster you want. For example, if you originally received a Pfizer vaccine, but would like a Moderna booster, make an appointment in a Moderna clinic.
If you have questions about eligibility, call Augusta Health's vaccination call center at 540-332-5122.
Bring your COVID vaccination record card to the booster appointment.
Vaccinations at primary care offices
Vaccinations for COVID-19 continue in all Augusta Medical Group primary care offices. Patients who prefer to receive a vaccination from their personal physician should contact their doctor's office to be scheduled into the next available vaccination appointment block.
Community-Based Clinics
Augusta Health's Community Vaccination Team will be providing vaccines at Liberty Point on Tuesday and Bridgewater College on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Community organizations that would like to partner with Augusta Health for a Vaccination Clinic can contact VaccinationTaskForce@augustahealth.com for more information on the requirements.
Large on-campus Vaccination Clinics
Tuesday, Jan. 25 — Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Clinics from 3 to 7 p.m. for those age 18 and older.
For first dose, second dose and booster dose available to those age 18 and older. Please verify criteria before registration.
Thursday, Jan. 27: Pfizer Clinic for ages 5 to 11 only from 3 to 7 p.m.
This clinic is for those ages 5-11 only. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of the child under the age of 18. The link is open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com
Friday, Ja. 28: Pfizer Clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those age 12 and older.
For first dose and second dose available to those age 12 and older, booster dose available to those age 16 and older. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. Please verify criteria before registration.
Tuesday, Feb. 1: Pfizer Clinic from 3 to 6 p.m. for those age 12 and older.
For first dose and second dose available to those age 12 and older, booster dose available to those age 16 and older. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. Please verify criteria before registration.
Thursday, Feb. 3: Pfizer Clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for those age 12 and older.
For first dose and second dose available to those age 12 and older, booster dose available to those age 16 and older. A parent or guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. Please verify criteria before registration.
Friday, Feb. 4: Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Clinics from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for those age 18 and older.
For first dose, second dose and booster dose available to those age 18 and older. Please verify criteria before registration.
The links are open at vaccinate.augustahealth.com. For assistance, call Augusta Health's Vaccination Call Center at 540-332-5122. The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to answer questions and help to schedule vaccination appointments.
Laura Peters is the trending topics reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Or a good feature? You can reach reporter Laura Peters (she/her) at lpeters@newsleader.com. Follow her @peterslaura. Subscribe to The News Leader at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta Health: High level of COVID, rise in positivity rate and deaths
