|
|
What are the New COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters? A bivalent vaccine is available now. This updated formula covers two variants: the original Wuhan virus and Omicron (BA.5).
- Pfizer: This is a 30 microgram vaccine, which is the same dosage as the original series. Pfizer sought approval for those aged 12 and older. But they did confirm they are working on a booster for ages 6 months to 11 years. CDC confirmed this in their fall planning guide, saying that we should expect a booster for younger kiddos following the adults.
- Moderna: This booster is a 50 microgram vaccine, which is the same dosage as the original booster and half the dosage of the original Moderna series. They are seeking approval for ages 18 years and older.
Why do we need an updated booster?
The omicron variant was different than previous variants in terms of evading immunity. This caused the protection against infection to wane quickly. In general coronaviruses thrive in winter. And we know that omicron continues to mutate. This updated booster will protect you against severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 this winter. Source: https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/fall-boosters-an-update?utm_source=emailWho is Eligible for the Bivalent Booster?You can get an updated booster if you are 12 or older and: - You received a booster, a second dose of the initial series of vaccine, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least TWO months ago.
It is safe to get your COVID-19 Updated Booster and Your Flu Shot at the Same Time!
|
|
|
|
|
Proposed Well Rules Changes
The Orange County Health Department is revising its local well rules. There are copies for viewing at: The public is invited for comments at the September 21st Board of Health meeting, which will take place at 7pm at the Whitted Human Services Building, 300 W. Tryon St., Hillsborough.
|
|
|
|
|
September is Suicide Prevention Month
From 2016 to 2020, 206 Orange and Durham County community members lost their lives to suicide. Throughout the month of September, the Orange County Health Department and Durham County Department of Public Health will host events to support survivors, to share how to recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide, and to teach what to do if a loved one is in danger. Events include:
Adult Mental Health First Aid Training for the Community: On Friday, September 16th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Whitted Human Services Center at 300 W. Tryon St., Hillsborough. This training is for community members, family members, friends, students and other people who have been affected by suicide or want to prevent suicide. The training will cover common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance abuse challenges as well as how to connect people with help. The training is free, and lunch is included. Please register at this link: https://www.orangecountync.gov/MHFA Adult Mental Health First Aid Training for Professional Partners: On Friday, September 23rd from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Whitted Human Services Center at 300 W. Tryon St., Hillsborough. This training is for employers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, public health workers, local government staff, and school employees who want to learn to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental health and substance use challenges. The training is free, and lunch is included. Please register at this link: https://www.orangecountync.gov/MHFA-Partners A Path for Hope--Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk: On Thursday, September 29th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Leigh Farm Park located at 370 Leigh Farm Road, Durham NC 27707. The event is hosted by Orange County Health Department, Durham County Department of Public Health, Alliance Health, Insight Humans Services and Healthy Carolinians of Orange County. Prior to the walk, community members will gather to hear featured speaker, Rwenshaun Miller, who believes that mental wellness begins with a conversation. Miller is an award-winning psychotherapist whose personal mission is to shift our society into one that acknowledges, addresses, and treats mental health challenges. FLYER: English, Spanish
To donate shoes or for questions about the events, email Willa Robinson Allen at wrobinson@dconc.gov for Durham County or Ashley Rawlinson at arawlinson@orangecountync.gov for Orange County or call (919) 245-2440.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monkeypox UpdateIf an Orange County community member has been in contact with a confirmed case of monkeypox or are experiencing symptoms, they should contact their primary care provider or the local health department. OCHD may be reached at (919) 245-2478.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE MONKEYPOX VACCINE The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) determines the eligibility criteria for the monkeypox vaccine. A person is eligible if they self-identify as: - Anyone who had close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox; or
- Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who are sexually active; or
- People who have had sexual contact with gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals in the past 90 days; or
- People living with HIV, or taking medication to prevent HIV (PrEP), or who were diagnosed with syphilis in the past 90 days.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Ages 6 months and up can be vaccinated! To make an appointment call (919) 913-8088 or visit https://takemyshot.nc.gov.
Chapel Hill Southern Human Services Center 2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30am - 4:30pm Appointments only. ***Ages 6 months and up. ***Moderna, J&J, Novavax, and Pfizer vaccines are available.
Hillsborough Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center 1020 US Hwy 70 W., Hillsborough, NC Friday and Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Appointments encouraged but walk-ins also accepted. ***Ages 6 months and up. ***Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North Carolina COVID-19 Cases The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 3,141,302 COVID-19 cases, 26,365 deaths and 1,074 hospitalizations. 66% of North Carolina's population is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination.
There are currently 35,215 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 146 deaths in Orange County.
Orange County COVID-19 vaccinations: Percentage of Population Vaccinated with at least One Dose: 81% Percentage of Population Vaccinated with Two Doses or one Dose J&J: 78% Percentage of Population Vaccinated with One Booster/ Additional Dose: 60%
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Health Department Locations
|
|
|
|
 Whitted Human Services Center
300 W. Tryon St.
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Home of OCHD Medical, Dental Clinic and Staff Offices
|
|
|
 Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Home of OCHD Southern Medical Clinic
|
|
|
 West Campus Office Building
131 W. Margaret Lane
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Home of Environmental Health Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|