Only one booster shot — Pfizer — is currently available, according to the Webster County Health Department. This booster is available to eligible individuals who have received the full two shot series of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine and is meant to boost protection against the virus. This booster is recommended six months after receiving the two dose primary series.

Individuals eligible for the Pfizer booster dose include: individuals ages 65 and older and residents in long term care settings, individuals ages 18-64 with underlying medical conditions, and individuals ages 18-64 with an increased risk for exposure and transmission because of their occupational setting.

The third dose is just as it sounds — a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. All individuals receiving the third dose will have received the first two dose series and are eligible for the third at least 28 days after their second dose. This option is meant for people who may not have built a strong enough immunity after their initial vaccine series. Individuals eligible for the third dose include residents who have received an organ transplant, receive immunosuppressive therapy, high dose corticosteroid use, and those with active treatment for a solid tumor and hematologic malignancies.

While the third dose is available in both Pfizer or Moderna, the booster shot is currently only available to those who have received the Pfizer vaccine. There is research and discussion surrounding a possible booster shot for Moderna, but currently is not available.

If you aren’t sure which vaccine is right for you, contact Webster County Health Department at 515-573-4107.

Webster County COVID-19 statistics reported

Over the past seven days there have been 147 positive COVID-19 cases reported in Webster County, according to Iowa Department of Public Health statistics.

That is up from the 131 positive cases reported by the state agency in the prior seven day period.

The Department of Public Health reported that in the most recent seven day period, 10 percent of the COVID-19 tests administered were positive.

The department’s statistics still show that the new cases are largely among younger people. Those statistics show that 25 percent of the new cases are in people age 17 and younger.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 7,129 COVID-19 cases in Webster County.

The Department of Public Health reported that there have been 106 deaths in the county due to COVID-19.

Statistics on the state’s coronavrius web site show that 62.3 percent of the county’s residents who are eligible for a vaccine are fully vaccinated.

One test for COVID, RSV and flu

Community Health Center of Fort Dodge is now offering PCR testing with the addition of a Cepheid machine.

PCR testing will be used for children under the age of 5 and for the most severe patients, those who are ill appearing or experiencing shortness of breath.

The Cepheid machine gives results for COVID-19, RSV, Influenza A and Influenza B with one nasopharyngeal swab.

Results are available in under 40 minutes.

Community Health Center of Fort Dodge does not offer COVID testing for travel clearance.

COVID cases up in Calhoun County

ROCKWELL CITY — Calhoun County Public Health reported on Tuesday that the county has recorded 50 new COVID-19 cases in the previous seven days.

Vaccine clinics will be available in the coming days. Anyone over the age of 12 can get vaccinated.

Flu shots are also available and both can be done at the same time.

The third dose of Pfizer is also available for those over 65 who previously got a Pfizer vaccine.

Third doses of Moderna are not yet approved except for severely immunocompromised people.

Call to sign up at 712-297-8323.