New COVID-19 booster coming to Humboldt County

On Sept. 1, the CDC authorized updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations that specifically target OMICRON and developing variants. On the same day, the FDA authorized the use of the new booster from Pfizer in partnership with BioNTech and Moderna.

When is the new booster available in Humboldt?

Terrence Mcnally, Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator at Humboldt County Department of Human and Health Services, communicated with us through email on Sept. 6, saying, “The boosters received state approval this morning and Humboldt County distribution is being coordinated. Public Health will receive boosters in coming days. We’ll announce when Public Health clinics will begin administering the new bivalent boosters as well as walk-in clinic times and locations. The boosters will be available for the general public.”

If you have COVID-19

On Aug. 11, the CDC sent out a new set of COVID-19 guidelines on what to do if tested positive. According to the press release:
• If you test positive for COVID-19, you stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.

• Physical distance is just one component of how to protect yourself and others. It is important to consider the risk in a particular setting, including local COVID-19 Community Levels and the important role of ventilation, when assessing the need to maintain physical distance.

Where to get tested for COVID?

As of Sept. 2, COVID.gov will stop sending COVID-19 rapid tests to homes. On their website they state, “Ordering through this program will be suspended [on Friday, Sept. 2] because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests.”

However, the DHHS still offers COVID-19 testing by appointment at lhi.care/covidtesting or calling (888) 634-1123. You can get tested at these locations after making an appointment:

Eureka
Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way
Seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 4 to 5 p.m.

McKinleyville
Azalea Hall, 1620 Picket Road
Mondays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 3 to 4 p.m.

Trinidad
Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity St.
Alternate Tuesdays: Sept. 13 and 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m.

Fortuna
Fortuna River Lodge, 1800 Riverwalk Dr.
Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 3 to 4 p.m.
Closed Sept. 28

Hoopa
Tsewenaldin Inn – 12482 State Highway 96, Ca 95546
Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m.

Arcata
Arcata D Street Neighborhood Center, 1301 D St.
Fridays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 3 to 4 p.m.
Closed Oct. 14, Nov. 18