The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, and yesterday, the CDC fully approved Novavax for primary vaccination of adults against COVID-19. Approval as a primary vaccination series means that Novavax will be available to adults who are not yet vaccinated and will require two doses given three weeks apart. It differs from the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines in that it is made from proteins from the surface of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, not mRNA. Protein-based vaccines have been in use for decades.
As of July 16, the United States has a new, three digit national number for mental health emergencies: 988. Someone experiencing a mental health crisis or someone who is worried about a loved one in crisis can call 988 for assistance. English and Spanish-speaking callers can speak with hotline attendants directly, while speakers of other languages can call the hotline and request telephonic interpretation. Those in need of support can also text 988 in English, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is currently working to make texting available in Spanish. We’ll keep you up-to-date on any news related to 988’s commitment to increased language services! Fact sheets are available in Spanish and English.
The World Health Organization reports that COVID-19 has led to the largest decrease in routine vaccinations in three decades. In particular, at least 25 million children in 2021 missed at least one dose of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3). Human papillomavirus vaccination coverage has also decreased, increasing the risk for people who could be affected by cervical cancer.
Did you know that Elmo, our beloved Sesame Street friend, has been vaccinated against COVID-19? Check out these PSAs in Spanish and English featuring Elmo and his dad that explain how they decided that Elmo should get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Did you miss the first session in our Know Your Rights series? Don’t worry – you can check out the recorded session led by Clermont Ripley of North Carolina Justice Center and Shelly Anand of Sur Legal Collaborative and learn about workers’ fundamental labor rights, regardless of immigration status!
State Level Data Overview
COVID-19 vaccination rates by state
COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by state
State Snapshots
Delaware
Last week, Delaware reported its first case of Monkeypox (MPV). To protect yourself, review the information from the CDC about signs, symptoms, and vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination rates by county
COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county
Maryland
As a reminder, the Dorchester County Health Department (3 Cedar St.) offers COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone 6 months of age and older. The schedule for July varies by the age of the person being vaccinated, so check out this month’s bilingual schedule to confirm what clinic you or someone you know should attend.
COVID-19 vaccination rates by county
COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county
Virginia
The Virginia Department of Health launched a free program to test drinking water for lead at schools and childcare facilities. Not all facilities that apply for free testing will receive it. For more information on selection criteria and to apply, visit leadinvawater.org.
COVID-19 vaccination rates by county
COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county
North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services published COVID-19 vaccine guidance (English & Spanish) for H-2 workers entering the U.S., including mix-and-match guidance that can help workers and clinicians decide on a vaccination and booster schedule for individuals who received vaccinations that are not available or approved in the U.S.
COVID-19 vaccination rates by county
COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county
South Carolina
Asian Longhorned Ticks, an invasive species of tick not commonly found in the U.S., have been identified on livestock in South Carolina. While primarily a threat to livestock, health officials are concerned about the tick’s ability to spread diseases to and among people. For guidance on preventing tick bites and related illnesses, read the CDC’s tips for tick bite prevention.
COVID-19 vaccination rates by county
COVID-19 case rates per 100K people by county
Georgia
Georgia has begun receiving doses of the Monkeypox (MPV) vaccine after confirming 93 cases, all among men living in the metro Atlanta area. The Georgia Department of Public Health is prioritizing vaccination in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Clayton counties, all of which are monitored in this weekly update because of the concentration of protein processing plants in those counties.
Because of the limited supply of vaccines, the Georgia Department of Health recommends that individuals at higher risk of contracting the disease talk with their healthcare provider. Individuals at higher risk include:
close personal contacts of people with MPV
individuals who may have been exposed to MPV
people who have increased risk of being exposed to the virus such as lab workers
