December 1, 2021

CDC Statement on B.1.1.529 (Omicron):

On November 26, 2021,the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. One case of this variant have been identified in the U.S. to date. CDC is following the details of this new variant, first reported to the WHO by South Africa. We are grateful to the South African government and its scientists who have openly communicated with the global scientific community and continue to share information about this variant with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CDC. We are working with other U.S. and global public health and industry partners to learn more about this variant, as we continue to monitor its path.

CDC is continuously monitoring variants and the U.S. variant surveillance system has reliably detected new variants in this country. We expect Omicron to be identified quickly, if it emerges in the U.S.

We know what it takes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CDC recommends people follow prevention strategies such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, washing your hands frequently, and physically distancing from others. CDC also recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting? fully vaccinated. CDC encourages a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for those who are eligible.

Travelers to the U.S. should continue to follow CDC recommendations for traveling.

When will kids under 5 be able to vaccinate?

At this time, COVID-19 vaccines are not authorized for children younger than 5 years old. Clinical trials are in process for younger children. Unvaccinated children ages 2 years and older should continue to wear a mask in public spaces and around people they don’t live with.

Here’s information for protecting unvaccinated family members, until they are eligible or able to receive the vaccine.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Eligibility Expanded to Anyone Age 18 or Older

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended booster vaccine shots for all adults 18 and older to help strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19.

If you received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you can get your booster six months after your second shot. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can get your booster two months after your shot.

Anyone over 50 or at high risk, as well as those 18 or older who were vaccinated more than two months ago with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, should get a booster dose now. Additionally, fully vaccinated people who received their first COVID-19 vaccine outside of the U.S. or in clinical trials with a brand not currently authorized can now receive a Pfizer booster shot when they are eligible.

READ MORE.
En Español

23rd Holiday Carolina Blood Drive is Dec. 8!

Treatments don’t stop over the holidays for patients who rely on transfusions as part of their care. The Red Cross needs to keep a sufficient supply of blood available for hospitals to treat patients. You can help prevent a shortage by bleeding Carolina blue and donating blood at the Holiday Carolina Blood Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at Fetzer Hall.

READ MORE.

World AIDS Day

December 1 is World AIDS Day. In the 40 years since HIV was first detected, there have been incredible advances in testing, prevention, and treatment.

But there are new challenges including health care for a generation of people now aging with HIV. Antiretroviral therapy has made it possible for people with HIV to have lifespans similar to those of people without HIV. But aging with HIV brings an increased risk of other health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. A new study projects the number and ages of people on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the coming decade—and suggests that U.S. health systems need to prepare to meet the needs of this growing and aging population.

Some key stats:

36%: Increase in number of people using ART in the next decade, if current rates of new HIV infections persist
7%: Increase over same time period if federal Ending the HIV Epidemic program goals are met (including a 75% reduction in new infections by 2025)
23%: Share of ART users who will be 65 and older (up from 11% currently)

Clinic Calendar as a Printable PDF

Free COVID-19 Testing Clinics
The free COVID-19 testing clinics hosted by OCHD are conducted by two different vendors, StarMed Healthcare in Hillsborough and Optum in Chapel Hill. Please register with the appropriate vendor depending on which location you would like to attend.

https://www.orangecountync.gov/2451/Testing

Clinic Graphic as a Printable PDF
Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Vaccines are free, and no ID is required! If you are coming for your second dose, or a booster please bring your vaccination card with the record of your previous doses. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page for the most up-to-date information: www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot, or call (919) 913-8088 with any questions. The call center and vaccine clinics will be closed on Thanksgiving and the Friday afterwards.

The Hillsborough walk-in clinic at Bonnie B. Davis now serves ages 5 and up for their COVID-19 vaccine primary series and boosters. WALK-INS WELCOME IN HILLSBOROUGH!

The Chapel Hill clinic, however, is by appointment only. Ages 5 and up can be vaccinated! To make an appointment call (919) 913-8088 or visit www.myspotnc.gov to make an appointment.

Regular Vaccine Clinics
Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center
1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough, NC
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00am - 4:30pm
Please call (877) 505-6723 to schedule an appointment.
***Ages 5 and up only.
***Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available.

Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Please call (919) 913-8088 to schedule an appointment.
***Ages 5 and up.
***Moderna, J&J, and Pfizer vaccines are available.

Pop-Up Walk-In Vaccine Clinics

In addition to our regularly scheduled walk-in clinics (see graphic above), the Orange County Health Department is pleased to offer pop-up vaccine clinics to all community members ages 5 and older. You may register and make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome as well.

CANCELLED: Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
~~Wednesday, December 1 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm~~

Collin's Crossing Apartments
501 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro
Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
Pfizer vaccines available for children ages 5 to 11.

Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Wednesday, December 8 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
J&J and Pfizer vaccines available

Rogers Road Community Center
101 Edgar Street, Chapel Hill
Saturday, December 11 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
J & J, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for ages 12 and up.

Click on the image to view a printable PDF.

Click on the image to view a printable PDF.

NOTE: There will be no Orange County Health News editions the last two weeks of December due to the holiday closings.

North Carolina COVID-19 Cases

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 1,537,044 COVID-19 cases, 18,776 deaths, and 1,157 hospitalizations. 57% of North Carolina's population is fully vaccinated.

There are currently 12,274 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 110 deaths in Orange County. 72% of Orange County residents are fully vaccinated.

For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day around noon), please visit the NCDHHS website.

Orange County Health Department also has a COVID-19 dashboard webpage, with information on COVID-19 data in the county.

More information may be found at www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus

Contact Information

For general questions (not urgent) about 2019 Novel Coronavirus, contact NCDHHS at: ncresponse@dhhs.nc.gov or 1-866-462-3821 to address general questions about coronavirus from the public.

If you are an individual or a medical practice with questions about COVID-19, call the Orange County Health Department at (919) 913-8088 during business hours (8:30 am to 5:00 pm).

Contact Kristin Prelipp, the Orange County Health Department’s Public Information Officer at: kprelipp@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2462.

Orange County Health Department:
Web: www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus
Phone: 919-245-2400
Email: covid19@orangecountync.gov
Facebook: Orange County Health Department
Instagram: OrangeHealthNC
Twitter: Orange Health NC
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