July 28, 2022

(Macon County, MO) – In the last four weeks, June 29- July 26, 2022, the Macon County Health Department has been notified of 106 new cases of COVID-19. This only counts confirmed laboratory tests and not at-home, self-reported tests.

Common symptoms that are reported are “allergy-like” symptoms or what may be perceived as a simple summer cold.  They can be symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and maybe a fever.

Testing when you are feeling sick, or after an exposure, can help you know whether you have COVID-19.  There are free at-home testing kits available through https://www.covid.gov/tests or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

If you are feeling sick or have tested positive for COVID-19, stay home.  Out of an abundance of caution, it would be helpful to test for COVID-19 before being around others or going to an event, even an outdoor event. Wear a mask if you have been exposed in accordance with CDC guidelines or to be cautious to reduce the spread.

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters can help reduce symptomatic, severe infection, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19.  The following are vaccines are currently available at the Macon County Health Department on Thursdays:

• Moderna vaccine: 6 months old – 5 years old
• Moderna vaccine: 6 years old – 11 years old
• Pfizer vaccine: 12 years old and above
• Moderna vaccine: 12 years old and above
• Johnson & Johnson vaccine: 18 years old and above

The CDC is hosting a free webinar for parents, caregivers, and community members, tomorrow July 29^th at 12:30 CST, regarding the COVID-19 vaccination for children.

Regular childhood vaccines continue to be important for protecting health.  Make sure your child is up-to-date on their childhood vaccination and get their required and recommended back-to-school vaccines as the school year is quickly approaching.  Our nurses can help answer questions and can help get your child back up-to-date to help them stay healthy.

COVID-19 continues to be a serious health concern for residents in our county.  People continue to fight the effects of COVID-19 in their homes and from being hospitalized due to this illness.  The Macon County Health Department continues to support and encourage healthy choices to improve health outcomes for all residents in our county.

For an appointment or to speak with one of our knowledgeable nurses, call 660-395-4711 or request an appointment. 

The CDC is hosting the “Protecting Our Children and Youth from COVID-19: Information for Parents, Caregivers, and Community Partners” Webinar on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET).

This webinar will provide accurate, timely, and trusted information about how to protect all children from COVID-19. Everyone ages 6 months and older can now get vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone ages 5 years and older can get a booster if eligible. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a key step in protecting children and youth from getting very sick or dying from COVID-19.

Speakers include pediatric vaccine experts and community partners leading vaccine efforts for children and youth who will discuss:

• CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for everyone ages 6 months and older, including where to find resources and credible information on vaccine safety.
• The risks, benefits, and myths associated with COVID-19 vaccinations for children and youth.
• What to ask a health provider about COVID-19 vaccination if your child has a disability.
• How community partners are working to protect Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander children and youth with disabilities who live in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Register for the Webinar