Tompkins: Update your boosters

The Tompkins County Health Department passed on Tuesday the CDC’s recent recommendation to get a booster against COVID-19 variants, available through healthcare providers and pharmacies.

The latest booster boosters add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition. That targets the new variants, which are more transmissable. An updated booster will increase protection against those variants, the department reports.

You are eligible to receive an updated booster dose at least two months following your last vaccination. To find out if you are eligible for a booster dose, use the CDC’s interactive, online Booster Tool.

“The updated booster will provide enhanced protection against the current strains of variants, which is especially important as we approach flu season," Tompkins Public Health Director Frank Kruppa said. "We encourage everyone who is eligible and able to get vaccinated and stay up to date on their vaccinations.”

The booster doses will be primarily available at pharmacies and healthcare providers. Find one at vaccines.gov or dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) for assistance. Bring your vaccination card.

The county's Friday immunization clinics will also offer the booster by appointment.

11 cases reported in Cortland County
Cortland County reported 11 cases of COVID-19 Monday and Tuesday, raising the number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 12,148, the state Health Department reports.

Tompkins and Cayuga counties reported 43 new cases Monday and Tuesday, the state reported. The three counties have seen 54,833 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020. The number of people who have died from the virus remains 382.

• One COVID patient was admitted to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center on Friday, the state Health Department reported Saturday. The hospital had five COVID patients. Since the pandemic began, 733 Cortland County residents have been hospitalized for COVID; that figure was last updated Sept. 2. The state Health Department reports 297,479 tests have been administered. The state has reported 128 deaths.
• Tompkins County saw 22 new cases Monday and Tuesday, the state Health Department reported. The number of confirmed cases rose to 24,132. The state reports 3,044,410 tests have been administered. Ninety-one Tompkins residents have died.
• Cayuga County saw 21 new cases Monday and Tuesday, the state Health Department reported Sunday. Confirmed cases rose to 18,553. The state reports 380,434 tests have been administered, and 163 people have died.

Cortland rate at 128 per 100,000
Cortland County had 65 new cases of COVID-19 between Aug. 30 and Monday, giving it a rate of 128.20 cases per 100,000 people, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

It had a “low” risk, under CDC guidelines. Under metrics and guidance from the CDC — which take into account the number of new cases in a week, the number of hospitalizations and hospital capacity:

• In counties with a “high risk,” wearing a mask in indoor public places is still recommended.
• In counties with a “medium risk,” people with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. People at a high risk for severe illness should consult their healthcare provider about the need for a mask or other precautions.
• In counties with a “low risk,” no additional precautions beyond staying up to date with vaccines and getting tested if one has symptoms are recommended.

The rates and risk, from the CDC:

Cortland: 128.20 — low
Tompkins: 188.88 — low
Cayuga: 134.51 — medium
Onondaga: 122.25 — medium
Broome: 170.61 — medium
Chenango: 146.16 — high
Tioga: 149.37 — medium
Madison: 84.58 — low