Chase, Perkins counties in low 40% range for COVID vaccines

    Residents in Chase and Perkins counties remain in the low 40% range for its residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
    In the latest report from the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, it shows Perkins County at an overall rate of 40% vaccinated, while Chase County is at 43%.
    Those rates are very near to the district-wide vaccination average of 42%. Furnas County has the highest vaccination rate in the district at 50%, and the only county at 50% or above.
    Vaccination rates have plateaued for almost all age groups across SWNPHD, said Health Director Myra Stoney. While 42% of residents are “completely vaccinated,” the increase in vaccination rates has largely stagnated or slowed down considerably, she said.
    People receiving the first and second doses of a vaccine are considered “completely vaccinated.” Booster doses have not been used to calculate the rates.
    Percentages listed in the accompanying graph used data collected from Dec. 15, 2020 to Feb. 27.
    Health Director Myra Stoney reports 74 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the district between Feb. 21-27. Forty-three of those cases were reported as part of a case audit from the Omicron wave in January and early February this year.
    Stoney noted the weekly average of COVID positives dropped from 53 to 11 in the past month. About 9% of tests were positive in SWNPHD in the past month.
    The state of Nebraska is providing free COVID-19 at-home test kits at multiple locations throughout the health district, including at SWNPHD’s McCook office. Residents can get up to six test kits that include an official lab report after a free telehealth consultation.
    Find more locations on the COVID information page of swhealth.ne.gov.
    Pharmacies in SWNPHD still have multiple doses of COVID-19 antivirals available at no cost. Residents can ask their local healthcare provider about prescribing these antivirals if they are at higher risk for severe illness, Stoney said.
Know before you go
    As more countries open their borders to travel, SWNPHD reminds potential travelers to know their vaccination history and what possible shots may be needed.
    CDC.gov/travel is one of the easiest ways to find out what types of shots are needed for traveling, according to the district’s health officials.