Coronavirus vaccinations urged as variants spread
Jul. 30—There are a couple of things about the delta variant of the coronavirus that people should be aware of, according to Robin Iszler, unit administrator of Central Valley Health District.
"We know this variant is 65% more contagious than the original," she said. "We know it is affecting those 20 to 49 years of age most."
Across North Dakota, those age groups have the lowest percentages of vaccinated individuals. Only 1 in 3 individuals in their 20s have been vaccinated while 40% of those in their 30s and 51% of those in their 40s have had the vaccine.
"We've got room for improvement," Iszler said.
Iszler said North Dakota Department of Health officials have confirmed that the delta variant is in North Dakota but have not released the county or city where it has been identified. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 83% of all cases in the United States are the delta variant.
If that percentage holds true in North Dakota, about 325 of the current 420 active cases in the state would be the delta variant.
Currently, there are five active cases in Stutsman County. That is down from a recent spike of 14 on July 19 but up from the zero active cases reported on July 11.
While the numbers are low compared to the peak of 526 on Nov. 18, medical facilities are still prepared, according to Katie Ryan-Anderson, marketing manager for Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
"The CDC did not change protocols," she said. "We are still masking, still have chairs spaced in the cafeteria."
Iszler said the hope is that more people get vaccinated before the delta variant becomes more prevalent in North Dakota.
"In North Dakota, there has been a 23% increase in people being vaccinated over the last couple weeks," she said.
People who already had COVID-19 should also consider getting vaccinated.
"People who had mild cases or were asymptomatic lost their antibodies quickly," she said, referring to the loss of immunity to the coronavirus in people who were ill earlier in the pandemic.
Vaccines are available. Iszler said people should watch the CVHD website for times and locations of "pop-up" vaccination clinics. There are also special "back-to-school" vaccination clinics planned for middle school and high school students. Another vaccination clinic is planned as part of the Community Block Party to welcome University of Jamestown freshmen to the community.
"There is a limited availability of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine," Iszler said.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was a one-dose vaccine while the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines required two doses.
Iszler said the possibility of more variants will continue if the virus continues in the population.
"The longer it circulates in the community, the more chance it will mutate," she said.
Ryan-Anderson said health professionals in the area will continue to be prepared.
"We were talking about COVID fatigue six months ago," she said. "We are asking people to remain vigilant and keep their families safe."
