Home covid-19 tests remain an important way to avoid spreading the disease.

PACIFIC COUNTY — Cases of covid-19 and other respiratory viruses are creeping up locally, and county health officials are encouraging residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations and remain vigilant — particularly those who are at high risk.

Pacific County Health Director Katie Lindstrom said covid-19 cases, as well as other respiratory illnesses like the flu, are ticking up both locally and across the region. She noted that most cases are mild and do not require hospitalization, and that deaths caused by covid-19 have decreased since the height of the pandemic.

“We think this is due to most people having some level of protection from covid-19 either because they have been previously infected or because they have been vaccinated — or both, Lindstrom said. “Access to antivirals such as Paxlovid has also helped to lessen the severity of disease for many people who are at high risk.”

Precautions

But Lindstrom cautioned people to take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and others from infection, especially those who are at high risk of developing a severe illness.

“The best way to do this is to stay current on vaccines, stay home and test if you have symptoms — or are exposed to someone who’s tested positive — and talk to your provider about antivirals if you test positive and are at high risk,” Lindstrom said.

The Omicron variant of covid is giving rise to many mutations. An Omicron hybrid dubbed XBB became the dominant strain in the U.S. early this year. Researchers say XBB is now fading, and they’re keeping their eye on a worrisome new version, JN-1, that is quickly spreading in France. (A good overview of covid’s recent evolution is available at tinyurl.com/NYT-Omicron-update.)

The local health department continues to offer free tests, as do any of the Timberland Regional Library locations. Those with questions about covid-19 or other communicable diseases can contact the health department at 360-642-9349 or 360-875-9343. Free tests by mail can be ordered at www.covid.gov/tests.

Vaccine availabilityThe latest covid-19 boosters are available in the county, but supply has been limited at the manufacturer level. Peninsula Pharmacies and the pharmacies in Raymond and South Bend have been scheduling clinics as they receive the vaccines, but Lindstrom stressed that those clinics tend to fill up quickly.

Peninsula Pharmacies is also offering annual flu and RSV vaccine clinics. RSV clinics are for those 60 and older. Appointments for covid, flu or RSV vaccine clinics put on by Peninsula Pharmacies will be posted at getvaccinated360.com.

Lindstrom also pointed out that, with the covid-19 vaccines having gone to the private market earlier this year, individuals must now have health insurance or pay for the vaccine out-of-pocket.

The county health department does have a limited supply of vaccine available for those who are uninsured or under-insured — including people who have health insurance that doesn’t cover the covid-19 vaccine, such as those with Medicare Part A. People who are uninsured or under-insured can schedule an appointment with the health department by calling 360-875-9343 or visiting pacificcountycovid19.com/get-vaccinated.