November 20, 2021, 11:25 a.m. (ChST)
COVID-19 Booster Shot Eligibility Expands;
Preliminary COVID-19 Test Results: Four New Cases, 16 Hospitalized
COVID-19 Booster Shot Eligibility Expands
Today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all adults. Individuals 18 years and older who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (first two doses) are eligible for a single booster shot at least 6 months or more after their initial series. For individuals who received the Johnson and Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, single booster shots are also available for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
“We are pleased to hear the CDC has approved the COVID-19 boosters for all adults. We urge everyone to get their boosters. What this virus has proven is that we all must collectively work together and protect each other. The booster shot is another layer to protect ourselves and our community from the virus and its variants,” said Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Director Arthur U. San Agustin.
16 Hospitalized for COVID-19
SPECIAL NOTE: Based on today's data, if we were to compare two (2) hypothetical populations of 100,000 people each, vaccinated versus unvaccinated, there would be 8 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 36 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID- 19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 5 times higher for the unvaccinated as compared to the vaccinated. *Estimated population is based on DPHSS Immunization Program analysis of 2020 Census data. Updates are expected pending further Census 2020 data breakdown.
COVID-19 Test Results: Four New Cases of COVID-19
Today, DPHSS reported a preliminary case count of four (4) new cases of COVID-19 from 388 specimens analyzed on November 19. Additional results are pending analysis and submission from other clinics and will be reported on Monday, November 22. To date, there have been a total of 19,065 officially reported cases, 262 deaths, 1,863 cases in active isolation, and 16,940 not in active isolation. As of November 19, the CAR Score is 2.5.
Requirements for Minors to Receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:
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Parent/legal guardian must provide minor’s birth certificate
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Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued photo identification (ID)
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Minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
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Guardians must present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney documents
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Treatment Continues
DPHSS, in partnership with the Mayors’ Council of Guam and the Guam National Guard, continues to offer outpatient monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center in Mangilao. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 may receive mAb therapy if they meet the eligibility criteria through a referral from their private physician, a COVID-19 community test site, or a hospital. A Pre-Screening Assessment has been developed to guide individuals who may be eligible for mAb treatment. To schedule an appointment, call 671-998-4627 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 671-734-9203 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update
As of November 18, a total of 124,865 of Guam’s eligible population (residents 5 years and older) is fully vaccinated. 1,433 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 14,557 doses of the Pfizer-BioNT