Public health officials are still urging individuals five and older to get the latest covid vaccine.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says the bivalent covid vaccine includes the omicron and the two current sub-variants of omicron, which are not included in the previous covid vaccines. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio the vaccine rates of the original covid vaccine were really good for the county, with the 65 and older population accounting for 95-percent, while the other age groups, such as the greater than 18, greater than 12 and five to 12 year olds below all just below 65-percent.

“However, with the bivalent (vaccine), we’re not seeing the response that we really need to have. Like in the people that are 65 and older 52-percent, only 52-percent have received that bivalent vaccine. The kids five and above, only 18-percent have received the booster. Then you get 12 and up, and 18 and up, like right around 20- to 22-percent. So there’s a big difference.”     

Wolf points out bivalent covid vaccines are readily available through pharmacies and public health. She notes one stipulation for those who may have contracted the virus recently.

“We encourage people, if you’ve had a covid case, you know you’ve tested positive, maybe wait 90 days after your infection, because you’ve got natural immunity.”  

The bivalent vaccine is free for anyone five and older. Click the link below or contact Greene County Public Health to schedule a covid vaccine at 515-386-3228.

Online appointments: https://hipaa.jotform.com/203558336058156