WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.

Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.

The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.

The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”

Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.

A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.

The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.

California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.

When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.

The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.

It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.

Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.

“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.

He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.

To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.

FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.

“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.

Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.

Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.

Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.

“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”

Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.

--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.

--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.

--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.

--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.

--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.

--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.

--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532144900.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.The FDA’s main messages:--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.___

2nd shot: US clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department released a community Covid-19 update Friday.&nbsp;

Since the last report, there have been 57 new confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County. That brings the total number of active cases to 94.&nbsp;

In addition to the new confirmed positive cases, there have been 63 additional recoveries since the last report, bringing the total number of recoveries in the county since the beginning of the pandemic to 814.&nbsp;

There are currently six people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County, down one since the last report.&nbsp;

There were an additional 65 Covid-19 tests performed in the county since the most recent report, bringing the total number of tests performed to 5,236.&nbsp;

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department released a community Covid-19 update Friday.&nbsp;Since the last report, there have been 57 new confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County. That brings the total number of active cases to 94.&nbsp;In addition to the new confirmed positive cases, there have been 63 additional recoveries since the last report, bringing the total number of recoveries in the county since the beginning of the pandemic to 814.&nbsp;There are currently six people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in Pottawatomie County, down one since the last report.&nbsp;There were an additional 65 Covid-19 tests performed in the county since the most recent report, bringing the total number of tests performed to 5,236.&nbsp;

Pottawatomie County provides a COVID-19 update

Of the $50,000.00 that was set aside for local businesses from the Geary County round 1 SPARK monies, 56 businesses picked up applications and of those 56 applicants 22 businesses provided the required documentation in order to receive funds. The total amount of money that was issued to local businesses was $ 37,594.01 The SPARK monies that these businesses received, are monies that do not need to be paid back.

Originally, Mickey Dean, Director of the Junction City, Geary County Economic development committee spoke with Commissioner Scholz in an effort to see if Geary County could help local businesses with any of the SPARK round 1 monies.

 Once, SPARK monies were earmarked, Mickey Dean and Dawn Stephens, Chamber Membership Director, created a marketing campaign to bring this to the attention of all the businesses in Geary County. The EDC also supplied all applications, helped businesses fill them out and worked directly with Witt Obrien which is the company the County hired to help with the disbursement of SPARK monies. Commissioner Scholz stated that “the EDC within a limited time frame in which to work did an exceptional job of helping several of the businesses in Geary County who were hit hard by the pandemic to receive these SPARK monies”

Of the $50,000.00 that was set aside for local businesses from the Geary County round 1 SPARK monies, 56 businesses picked up applications and of those 56 applicants 22 businesses provided the required documentation in order to receive funds. The total amount of money that was issued to local businesses was $ 37,594.01 The SPARK monies that these businesses received, are monies that do not need to be paid back.Originally, Mickey Dean, Director of the Junction City, Geary County Economic development committee spoke with Commissioner Scholz in an effort to see if Geary County could help local businesses with any of the SPARK round 1 monies. Once, SPARK monies were earmarked, Mickey Dean and Dawn Stephens, Chamber Membership Director, created a marketing campaign to bring this to the attention of all the businesses in Geary County. The EDC also supplied all applications, helped businesses fill them out and worked directly with Witt Obrien which is the company the County hired to help with the disbursement of SPARK monies. Commissioner Scholz stated that “the EDC within a limited time frame in which to work did an exceptional job of helping several of the businesses in Geary County who were hit hard by the pandemic to receive these SPARK monies”

Geary County/Junction City Businesses benefit from SPARK round 1 monies:

NIC and State of Kansas Offer are offering free, painless COVID-19 Testing in Junction City. It begins Friday, Dec. 18 and is available seven days a week.

Digital government solutions firm NIC Inc. and the State of Kansas are expanding TourHealth COVID-19 testing in Kansas to include a site in Junction City. TourHealth testing in Kansas is also offered in Olathe, Leavenworth, Colby, Goodland, Hays and Russell.

Beginning Friday testing in Junction City will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week at the former Dick Edwards Auto Plaza, 375 Grant Ave. They will be closed on Christmas Day.

Appointments are encouraged and can be made online for streamlined communications and results delivery. To register online, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tourhealth.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2GpjnWblzc1tzXsJ5gdpgQTfvV21qCHU7sowTVio94yYnMhPs4o4ORebY&amp;h=AT0n69DL2Awf6Ktw4rmIIeZIfgDWfuBD3Rof8Q-pyF-E_jyPdT_XvNlSwH-G5SIsY7qoQbE07g70ePlxBDeOFSuQXp4LDNNRA4vIYuNCHW-5eVusm4VwXLrKOBFnhzkKapg5&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2NY9_8dARG3FxLtkYmIdnG968L2QtPVQNYUml18BjPnAaGA4ZdP4_BPOUGJJvP7z-GWRV8b9_7AWw9GWkIs8yKAtqkxLLMThSkxgEHvcr2ddNnjUJHFIhTHp7jLoh324jcRyCNEmM0mjeNBtaPeuKrtQHCSMycR_R_N6W-BeN6K0zs9xEH4l0TDZNJ8PrUDYu8" target="_blank">www.tourhealth.com</a>, register and sign up for the preferred date and location. Drive-up will be allowed without appointments.

Individuals do not need to be symptomatic or need a referral to be tested. All testing is provided at no cost regardless of insurance or country of residence. Junction City

The information was provided by Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges,

NIC and State of Kansas Offer are offering free, painless COVID-19 Testing in Junction City. It begins Friday, Dec. 18 and is available seven days a week.Digital government solutions firm NIC Inc. and the State of Kansas are expanding TourHealth COVID-19 testing in Kansas to include a site in Junction City. TourHealth testing in Kansas is also offered in Olathe, Leavenworth, Colby, Goodland, Hays and Russell.Beginning Friday testing in Junction City will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week at the former Dick Edwards Auto Plaza, 375 Grant Ave. They will be closed on Christmas Day.Appointments are encouraged and can be made online for streamlined communications and results delivery. To register online, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tourhealth.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2GpjnWblzc1tzXsJ5gdpgQTfvV21qCHU7sowTVio94yYnMhPs4o4ORebY&amp;h=AT0n69DL2Awf6Ktw4rmIIeZIfgDWfuBD3Rof8Q-pyF-E_jyPdT_XvNlSwH-G5SIsY7qoQbE07g70ePlxBDeOFSuQXp4LDNNRA4vIYuNCHW-5eVusm4VwXLrKOBFnhzkKapg5&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2NY9_8dARG3FxLtkYmIdnG968L2QtPVQNYUml18BjPnAaGA4ZdP4_BPOUGJJvP7z-GWRV8b9_7AWw9GWkIs8yKAtqkxLLMThSkxgEHvcr2ddNnjUJHFIhTHp7jLoh324jcRyCNEmM0mjeNBtaPeuKrtQHCSMycR_R_N6W-BeN6K0zs9xEH4l0TDZNJ8PrUDYu8" target="_blank">www.tourhealth.com</a>, register and sign up for the preferred date and location. Drive-up will be allowed without appointments.Individuals do not need to be symptomatic or need a referral to be tested. All testing is provided at no cost regardless of insurance or country of residence. Junction CityThe information was provided by Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges,

Free COVID-19 testing is being offered in Junction City

Geary Community Hospital reported 15 new COVID-19 positive tests on Thursday. Eight people are now hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment at GCH.&nbsp;

There were 80 negative test results on Thursday and 32 tests are pending.

Since&nbsp; the pandemic began there have been 758 positive tests and 5,659 negative tests.

Geary Community Hospital reported 15 new COVID-19 positive tests on Thursday. Eight people are now hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment at GCH.&nbsp;There were 80 negative test results on Thursday and 32 tests are pending.Since&nbsp; the pandemic began there have been 758 positive tests and 5,659 negative tests.

GCH updates their COVID-19 numbers

Geary County health officials reported on Thursday that there were 11 confirmed positive cases and 46 recovered cases of COVID-19 in the county. There are now 163 active cases.&nbsp;

Another death was reported an five people from the county are currently hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began there have been 1,006 confirmed positive cases and 828 recoveries.

Geary County health officials reported on Thursday that there were 11 confirmed positive cases and 46 recovered cases of COVID-19 in the county. There are now 163 active cases.&nbsp;Another death was reported an five people from the county are currently hospitalized.Since the pandemic began there have been 1,006 confirmed positive cases and 828 recoveries.

Health Department provides the COVID-19 update

One hundred doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Geary Community Hospital on Thursday. "We are offering it to all of our providers and our nursing staff and then we will go down the line to administer it and make sure everyone gets vaccinated that needs to be, " said&nbsp; Hospital spokesperson Ashley King.

Dr. Rhonda Mace received the first shot. "The first dose as I understand is about 50% effective and then you have to get the second dose in three weeks which I will do."

Mace said for her the decision to get the shot was not difficult. "We've got to stop the spread of this and I trust the science and Pfizer and the FDA made sure they did their science." Mace added she was happy to get the first dose at the hospital, and is hopeful the vaccine will be received for Valley View Senior Life residents and staff in the near future. "

One hundred doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Geary Community Hospital on Thursday. "We are offering it to all of our providers and our nursing staff and then we will go down the line to administer it and make sure everyone gets vaccinated that needs to be, " said&nbsp; Hospital spokesperson Ashley King.Dr. Rhonda Mace received the first shot. "The first dose as I understand is about 50% effective and then you have to get the second dose in three weeks which I will do."Mace said for her the decision to get the shot was not difficult. "We've got to stop the spread of this and I trust the science and Pfizer and the FDA made sure they did their science." Mace added she was happy to get the first dose at the hospital, and is hopeful the vaccine will be received for Valley View Senior Life residents and staff in the near future. "

Doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive at GCH

As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.

On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.

In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.

Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.

The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.

But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.

And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.

Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.

In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.

These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.

The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.

Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.

The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.

U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.

The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.

Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.

“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.

The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.

The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.

The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.

On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.

Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608072923749.png" alt="Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressAs COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER VACCINATION?Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.WHAT ABOUT SERIOUS RISKS?The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.WHAT IF OTHER RISKS CROP UP?The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.___

Health officials track safety as COVID-19 vaccines roll out

COVID-19 testing at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library this week produced some positive test results and to the temporary closure of the facility.

Library officials announced the closure until further notice via social media.

Officials did say that the outside book drop at the north entrance is available. For questions email to jclibrary@jclib.org or leave a voicemail at 785-238-4311. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

COVID-19 testing at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library this week produced some positive test results and to the temporary closure of the facility.Library officials announced the closure until further notice via social media.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608213868528.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officials did say that the outside book drop at the north entrance is available. For questions email to jclibrary@jclib.org or leave a voicemail at 785-238-4311. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library is closed until further notice

Fort Riley is part of the Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine plan to implement and standardize a coordinated strategy to prioritize COVID-19 vaccine.

 Col. Edgar Arroyo, Irwin Army Community Hospital commander, told a Fort Riley town hall audience Wednesday, that some healthcare workers and first responders were inoculated this week at other installations including Fort Bragg and Fort Hood. It was part of the first wave of vaccination distribution. "There were 2,000 inoculations since then with no serious reactions."

Arroyo stated that they expects to get the vaccine at Irwin Army Community Hospital in&nbsp; the coming week. "We do remain flexible and depending on the logistical flow across the nation. Rest assured that the moment that vaccine arrives on our loading docks in the hospital we will not lose a single day in administering COVID-19 vaccine."

Arroyo noted that the supply of the vaccine will be limited in the early stages, and prioritization&nbsp; will follow Department of Defense and CDC guidelines. "We will focus initially on offering the vaccine first to frontline healthcare workers such as emergency room personnel, first responders, the police and fire personnel, second for our inpatient healthcare workers and support personnel, and third for our outpatient healthcare and support personnel, and last we will begin inoculating personnel deploying immediately through 2021."

Arroyo said he's encouraged all of his healthcare workers to take the vaccine to protect their health, families and all of&nbsp; the people with whom they interact. The vaccine, however, is being offered on a voluntary basis. "I will not talk someone into getting the vaccine. I will tell you what we know about the vaccine, and equally important what we don't know about the vaccine."

Arroyo said that they understand that the vaccine is safe and all of the clinical trials and data is available to the public on the Centers for Disease Control web site.

Fort Riley is part of the Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine plan to implement and standardize a coordinated strategy to prioritize COVID-19 vaccine. Col. Edgar Arroyo, Irwin Army Community Hospital commander, told a Fort Riley town hall audience Wednesday, that some healthcare workers and first responders were inoculated this week at other installations including Fort Bragg and Fort Hood. It was part of the first wave of vaccination distribution. "There were 2,000 inoculations since then with no serious reactions."Arroyo stated that they expects to get the vaccine at Irwin Army Community Hospital in&nbsp; the coming week. "We do remain flexible and depending on the logistical flow across the nation. Rest assured that the moment that vaccine arrives on our loading docks in the hospital we will not lose a single day in administering COVID-19 vaccine."Arroyo noted that the supply of the vaccine will be limited in the early stages, and prioritization&nbsp; will follow Department of Defense and CDC guidelines. "We will focus initially on offering the vaccine first to frontline healthcare workers such as emergency room personnel, first responders, the police and fire personnel, second for our inpatient healthcare workers and support personnel, and third for our outpatient healthcare and support personnel, and last we will begin inoculating personnel deploying immediately through 2021."Arroyo said he's encouraged all of his healthcare workers to take the vaccine to protect their health, families and all of&nbsp; the people with whom they interact. The vaccine, however, is being offered on a voluntary basis. "I will not talk someone into getting the vaccine. I will tell you what we know about the vaccine, and equally important what we don't know about the vaccine."Arroyo said that they understand that the vaccine is safe and all of the clinical trials and data is available to the public on the Centers for Disease Control web site.

Irwin Army Community Hospital officials wait on COVID-19 vaccine to arrive  

Geary County health officials reported 10 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and five recovered cases on Wednesday.

There are 198 active cases in the county and six hospitalizations, down five hospitalizations from Tuesday.

Geary Community Hospital still has ventilators remaining and is still accepting patients. Officials report that inaccurate information was released on this topic by the Health Department. The initial report had indicated that all five ventilators were in use and patients needing a ventilator would be sent to hospitals outside the county.

Geary County health officials reported 10 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and five recovered cases on Wednesday.There are 198 active cases in the county and six hospitalizations, down five hospitalizations from Tuesday.CLARIFICATION:Geary Community Hospital still has ventilators remaining and is still accepting patients. Officials report that inaccurate information was released on this topic by the Health Department. The initial report had indicated that all five ventilators were in use and patients needing a ventilator would be sent to hospitals outside the county.There are ventilators remaining.

Health Department provides COVID-19 update

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Wednesday announced when the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available for population groups across the state. The framework begins this winter with high-risk Kansans such as health care personnel and long term care facility staff and residents, eventually reaching the general public in the summer of 2021.

“Through this framework, my administration upholds our commitment to maximizing benefits, minimizing harm, and striving for equity, justice, and fairness when it comes to when the vaccine will be made available to which Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We are committed to protecting the greatest number of Kansans, fostering economic recovery, and getting our kids back&nbsp;into&nbsp;school&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;as quickly and safely as possible.”

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.lmsxg-4k5mMx0HGBotOgT-H4HOHyWm3xk2zl4uNvz78/s/1303160919/br/92005880953-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;CLICK here to see a visual representation of the distribution order&nbsp;</a>

An outline of the expected availability is as follows:

Adherence to this expected framework will be dependent on receipt of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the companies distributing them.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,551 to a total of 194,569 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,253 an increase of 144.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Wednesday announced when the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available for population groups across the state. The framework begins this winter with high-risk Kansans such as health care personnel and long term care facility staff and residents, eventually reaching the general public in the summer of 2021.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F155260669266933%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Through this framework, my administration upholds our commitment to maximizing benefits, minimizing harm, and striving for equity, justice, and fairness when it comes to when the vaccine will be made available to which Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We are committed to protecting the greatest number of Kansans, fostering economic recovery, and getting our kids back&nbsp;into&nbsp;school&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;as quickly and safely as possible.”<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.lmsxg-4k5mMx0HGBotOgT-H4HOHyWm3xk2zl4uNvz78/s/1303160919/br/92005880953-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;CLICK here to see a visual representation of the distribution order&nbsp;</a>An outline of the expected availability is as follows:<ul>
 <li>The COVID-19 vaccine will be available in the winter, on a very limited basis, for health care personnel, long term care facility staff, long term care residents, and EMS/frontline public health workers;</li><li>The vaccine will become available in late winter, on a limited basis, for first responders, some public facing workers in essential and critical infrastructure, teachers, school staff, child care workers, and individuals at high risk for adverse health consequences;</li><li>The vaccine will become available in the spring, at an increased availability, for all other adults;</li><li>And finally, the vaccine will become generally available in the summer for all Kansans, including children.</li>
 </ul>Adherence to this expected framework will be dependent on receipt of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the companies distributing them.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,551 to a total of 194,569 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,253 an increase of 144.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608144161925.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 16, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 16, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Gov. Kelly update on COVID-19 vaccine distribution

&nbsp; An 89 year-old Riley County man passed away at Ascension Via Christi hospital on December 15 after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 30. His passing represents the 19th&nbsp;COVID-related death in the county. No further information will be released about the patient. Riley County has identified 55 new positive cases and 52 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, December 14. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for seven positive patients and two PUI patients at this time. Two of the positive patients are in the ICU. Via Christi Hospital administered the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine to some of their staff today. Healthcare workers who care for COVID patients will be the first priority for the vaccine. FAQ information about the COVID-19 vaccine is posted on the Riley County Coronavirus website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f065455fda&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1873/Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>

&nbsp; An 89 year-old Riley County man passed away at Ascension Via Christi hospital on December 15 after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 30. His passing represents the 19th&nbsp;COVID-related death in the county. No further information will be released about the patient. Riley County has identified 55 new positive cases and 52 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, December 14. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for seven positive patients and two PUI patients at this time. Two of the positive patients are in the ICU. Via Christi Hospital administered the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine to some of their staff today. Healthcare workers who care for COVID patients will be the first priority for the vaccine. FAQ information about the COVID-19 vaccine is posted on the Riley County Coronavirus website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f065455fda&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/1873/Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>

Riley County health officials provide COVID-19 update

The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be closed on Wednesday.

COVID-19 testing on Tuesday at Dorothy Bramlage Library has resulted in a temporary closure of the facility. Director Susan Moyer confirmed there was a round of COVID-19 testing that was administered by staff from the Fire Department. "And we did learn that we had some positive cases on our staff so we have closed for today ( Tuesday ).&nbsp; " Decisions will be made soon on the plan of action for the library for the next several days.

Moyer noted that they are seeking a Health Department recommendation on a course of action for the future days.

UPDATE:The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be closed on Wednesday.---COVID-19 testing on Tuesday at Dorothy Bramlage Library has resulted in a temporary closure of the facility. Director Susan Moyer confirmed there was a round of COVID-19 testing that was administered by staff from the Fire Department. "And we did learn that we had some positive cases on our staff so we have closed for today ( Tuesday ).&nbsp; " Decisions will be made soon on the plan of action for the library for the next several days.Moyer noted that they are seeking a Health Department recommendation on a course of action for the future days.

Library is closed temporarily due to COVID-19 concerns

Geary County Health Department officials reported Tuesday that there were 23 new positive COVID-19 cases and 27 recovered cases.

There are 193 active cases in Geary County and residents are hospitalized. Four of those hospitalized are in the intensive care unit and three are on ventilators.

Geary County Health Department officials reported Tuesday that there were 23 new positive COVID-19 cases and 27 recovered cases.There are 193 active cases in Geary County and residents are hospitalized. Four of those hospitalized are in the intensive care unit and three are on ventilators.

Health Department releases the latest COVID-19 count

There was a 28% increase in the positive rate for COVID-19 cases at Geary Community Hospital from November to December. The COVID-19 numbers were reviewed for the Hospital Trustees Tuesday. There have been 642 people tested in December, up 182 from November.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There was a recent outbreak at Valley View Senior Life involving 59 positive cases, with two admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;

So far 23,850 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer have been delivered to Kansas, but none to Geary Community Hospital yet. GCH officials are not sure how many doses they will receive in this first round of distribution.&nbsp;

As of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday there were 10 COVID-19 inpatients at the hospital. Five were being treat in the intensive care unit with four on ventilators. There were five more patients on the med/surg floor.

There was a 28% increase in the positive rate for COVID-19 cases at Geary Community Hospital from November to December. The COVID-19 numbers were reviewed for the Hospital Trustees Tuesday. There have been 642 people tested in December, up 182 from November.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a recent outbreak at Valley View Senior Life involving 59 positive cases, with two admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;So far 23,850 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer have been delivered to Kansas, but none to Geary Community Hospital yet. GCH officials are not sure how many doses they will receive in this first round of distribution.&nbsp;As of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday there were 10 COVID-19 inpatients at the hospital. Five were being treat in the intensive care unit with four on ventilators. There were five more patients on the med/surg floor.

COVID-19 positive rate is up for Geary Community Hospital

Geary County health officials have reported 5 new positive COVID-19 cases from last Friday, and 23 recovered cases. There was one death.

On Monday the Health Department confirmed there were 46 new positive cases and 57 recovered cases in the county. There are 197 active cases and there have been seven deaths since the pandemic began. Ten people are hospitalized.

Geary County health officials have reported 5 new positive COVID-19 cases from last Friday, and 23 recovered cases. There was one death.On Monday the Health Department confirmed there were 46 new positive cases and 57 recovered cases in the county. There are 197 active cases and there have been seven deaths since the pandemic began. Ten people are hospitalized.s

Health Department updates COVID-19 numbers

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department released a community update on local Coronavirus numbers.&nbsp;

On Monday, the department announced that there are 35 new confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in the county since Friday's report. In addition to the new cases, there have been 27 recoveries, bringing the county's total since the beginning of the pandemic to 751.

The county tested 99 individuals since the last report, with 63 being negative and one still awaiting results.&nbsp;

There are currently five patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in the county, down two since the last report, with no additional coronavirus-related deaths.

WESTMORELAND, Kan. - The Pottawatomie County Health Department released a community update on local Coronavirus numbers.&nbsp;On Monday, the department announced that there are 35 new confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in the county since Friday's report. In addition to the new cases, there have been 27 recoveries, bringing the county's total since the beginning of the pandemic to 751.The county tested 99 individuals since the last report, with 63 being negative and one still awaiting results.&nbsp;There are currently five patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in the county, down two since the last report, with no additional coronavirus-related deaths.

Pottawatomie County Releases Community Update

Valley View Senior Life has been fortunate to have zero COVID-19 cases for well over nine months since the pandemic has affected the entire country and our community.

This has been possible, in large part by our dedicated front-line essential employees working diligently, around the clock initiating mandated KDHE, CDC, KDADS and Medicare’s

Infection Control procedures and protocol. Just weeks ago, Valley View Senior Life had their Kansas State Infection Control inspection and received 100% compliance!

Despite all our compliant practices, we now have contracted COVID-19 in our campus that has affected our residents and staff. We believe in keeping the community informed of our progress in containing the virus in the next few weeks.

Fortunately, vaccines will be arriving in mere days, and we anxiously await Valley View’s allotment to help stem the tide of this virus.

We want to thank the community for your support. Geary County Hospital, Director of Geary County Health Department, Tammy Von Busch, Director of Geary County Emergency Services, Garry Berges, and our Medical Director, Dr. Mace, have been invaluable during this time.

We are awaiting final test results on residents and staff and will keep the community informed on our testing and results in the next few days.

Valley View Senior Life has been fortunate to have zero COVID-19 cases for well over nine months since the pandemic has affected the entire country and our community.This has been possible, in large part by our dedicated front-line essential employees working diligently, around the clock initiating mandated KDHE, CDC, KDADS and Medicare’sInfection Control procedures and protocol. Just weeks ago, Valley View Senior Life had their Kansas State Infection Control inspection and received 100% compliance!Despite all our compliant practices, we now have contracted COVID-19 in our campus that has affected our residents and staff. We believe in keeping the community informed of our progress in containing the virus in the next few weeks.Fortunately, vaccines will be arriving in mere days, and we anxiously await Valley View’s allotment to help stem the tide of this virus.We want to thank the community for your support. Geary County Hospital, Director of Geary County Health Department, Tammy Von Busch, Director of Geary County Emergency Services, Garry Berges, and our Medical Director, Dr. Mace, have been invaluable during this time.We are awaiting final test results on residents and staff and will keep the community informed on our testing and results in the next few days.

Valley View Senior Life provides a COVID-19 update

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – December 14, 2020) Two Riley County residents died over the weekend, marking the 17th&nbsp;and 18th&nbsp;Covid-related deaths in the county since the start of the pandemic. One patient was a 76 year-old male who tested positive on November 28. He was admitted to Ascension Via Christi hospital for treatment the same day and passed away on December 12. The second patient was a 102 year-old female who tested positive on December 1, and was also admitted to the hospital for care. She passed away December 13. No further information will be released about the patients. &nbsp; Riley County has identified 71 new positive cases and 229 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, December 11. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for nine positive patients at this time. Four of those patients are in the ICU. &nbsp; Almost all of the test results from last Thursday’s free testing event have been received. Contact tracing staff started contacting participants on Sunday. It will likely take a few days to notify all 558 people who were tested.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Any person who is sick or would like more information about how to get tested, should call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any person experiencing life-threatening symptoms should call 911. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Monday, December 14, 2020:

&nbsp; Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.

Statement from the Riley County Health Department:

Consistent with the practice of other counties in Kansas, the Riley County Health Department will no longer share outbreak data. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve so do our practices and procedures to meet the needs of the public and to best serve them. Our staff spends a great deal of time and effort keeping people informed with factual information, educating on proper health-related actions, and contact tracing, all in an effort to contain the spread of the virus in Riley County. As the number of positive coronavirus cases increases, we will focus our limited time and resources on actions that we believe will reduce the spread and discontinue other time-intensive tasks that may not produce the same results. We will also be shifting some staff time to planning and preparation for vaccine distribution. At the beginning of the pandemic when there were fewer cases and less data to compile, our team was able to provide more detailed information and specifics to the public.&nbsp; We previously reported the decision to stop identifying the location of outbreaks in an effort to encourage people’s willingness to report their location information to contact tracers. That effort has not been successful. A number of people we spoke to during contact tracing have been unable to accurately determine where they came into contact with the virus due to widespread community spread — limiting our ability to factually record the data. Many also do not remember or know if they have had contact with any positive patients. To remain consistent in recording data and present people with the most factual information as we know it, outbreak information will no longer be reported as of today, Monday, December 14, for the reasons listed above. All case information will continue to be shared with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Information requests about outbreaks in Riley County should be addressed to KDHE. The next written update will be published Wednesday December 16. The next video update will be Wednesday, December 16 at 4:15 p.m. on the RCHD Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=362f9d6c58&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>. Drive-up flu shots are available at the health department. Please make an appointment by calling 785-776-4779 ext. 7675 or schedule an appointment online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=57901fce34&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">http://www.rileycountyks.gov/flu</a>.&nbsp;

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – December 14, 2020) Two Riley County residents died over the weekend, marking the 17th&nbsp;and 18th&nbsp;Covid-related deaths in the county since the start of the pandemic. One patient was a 76 year-old male who tested positive on November 28. He was admitted to Ascension Via Christi hospital for treatment the same day and passed away on December 12. The second patient was a 102 year-old female who tested positive on December 1, and was also admitted to the hospital for care. She passed away December 13. No further information will be released about the patients. &nbsp; Riley County has identified 71 new positive cases and 229 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, December 11. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for nine positive patients at this time. Four of those patients are in the ICU. &nbsp; Almost all of the test results from last Thursday’s free testing event have been received. Contact tracing staff started contacting participants on Sunday. It will likely take a few days to notify all 558 people who were tested.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Any person who is sick or would like more information about how to get tested, should call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any person experiencing life-threatening symptoms should call 911. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Monday, December 14, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 4,341</li><li>Total active: &nbsp;341</li><li>Total recovered: 3,982</li><li>Total deaths: 18</li>
 </ul>&nbsp; Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.<figure>
 <img src="" alt="" />
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 </figure>Statement from the Riley County Health Department:Consistent with the practice of other counties in Kansas, the Riley County Health Department will no longer share outbreak data. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve so do our practices and procedures to meet the needs of the public and to best serve them. Our staff spends a great deal of time and effort keeping people informed with factual information, educating on proper health-related actions, and contact tracing, all in an effort to contain the spread of the virus in Riley County. As the number of positive coronavirus cases increases, we will focus our limited time and resources on actions that we believe will reduce the spread and discontinue other time-intensive tasks that may not produce the same results. We will also be shifting some staff time to planning and preparation for vaccine distribution. At the beginning of the pandemic when there were fewer cases and less data to compile, our team was able to provide more detailed information and specifics to the public.&nbsp; We previously reported the decision to stop identifying the location of outbreaks in an effort to encourage people’s willingness to report their location information to contact tracers. That effort has not been successful. A number of people we spoke to during contact tracing have been unable to accurately determine where they came into contact with the virus due to widespread community spread — limiting our ability to factually record the data. Many also do not remember or know if they have had contact with any positive patients. To remain consistent in recording data and present people with the most factual information as we know it, outbreak information will no longer be reported as of today, Monday, December 14, for the reasons listed above. All case information will continue to be shared with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Information requests about outbreaks in Riley County should be addressed to KDHE. The next written update will be published Wednesday December 16. The next video update will be Wednesday, December 16 at 4:15 p.m. on the RCHD Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=362f9d6c58&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>. Drive-up flu shots are available at the health department. Please make an appointment by calling 785-776-4779 ext. 7675 or schedule an appointment online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=57901fce34&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">http://www.rileycountyks.gov/flu</a>.&nbsp;

Two additional COVID-19 deaths reported in Riley County

There were nine COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Geary Community Hospital as of Monday morning. Officials reported that there were 25 positive tests over the weekend and 50 negative tests. One test is still pending.

Since the pandemic began there have been 6,242 positive tests and 5,518 negative tests.

There were nine COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Geary Community Hospital as of Monday morning. Officials reported that there were 25 positive tests over the weekend and 50 negative tests. One test is still pending.Since the pandemic began there have been 6,242 positive tests and 5,518 negative tests.

GCH reports nine COVID-19 hospitalizations

The largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history got underway Monday as health workers in select hospitals rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic — a day of optimism even as the nation’s death toll neared 300,000.

“I feel hopeful today. Relieved,” said critical case nurse Sandra Lindsay after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York.

Shipments of precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech began arriving at hospitals around the country Monday.

“This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s a long tunnel,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as he watched Lindsay’s vaccination via video.

Several other countries also have OK’d the vaccine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-gives-first-covid-19-vaccine-doses-719288c35d8ef8815b56b1c9c5fff24c">including the U.K.</a>, which started vaccinating last week.

For health care workers who, along with nursing home residents, will be first in line for vaccination, hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world.

“This is mile 24 of a marathon. People are fatigued. But we also recognize that this end is in sight,” said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish Health Services in Seattle.

Packed in dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405">the first of nearly 3 million doses&nbsp;</a>being shipped in staggered batches this week made their way by truck and by plane around the country Sunday from Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory. Once they arrive at distribution centers, each state directs where the doses go next.

Some hospitals across the country spent the weekend tracking their packages, refreshing FedEx and UPS websites for clues.

More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week. And later this week, the FDA will decide whether to green light the world’s second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine, made by Moderna Inc.

Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions, not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers — and then deliver a second dose three weeks later.

“We’re also in the middle of a surge, and it’s the holidays, and our health care workers have been working at an extraordinary pace,” said Sue Mashni, chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

Plus, the shots can cause temporary fever, fatigue and aches as they rev up people’s immune systems, forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations.

A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccination. Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don’t and the rest are unsure, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">recent poll&nbsp;</a>by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.

The FDA, considered the world’s most strict medical regulator, said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears safe and strongly protective -- and laid out the data behind it in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see.

“Please people, when you look back in a year and you say to yourself, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ I hope you’ll be able to say, ‘Yes, because I looked at the evidence,’” Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press. “People are dying right now. How could you possibly say, ‘Let’s wait and see.’”

Still, emergency use means the vaccine was cleared for widespread use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people is complete -- and that research is continuing to try to answer additional questions. While effective against COVID-19 illness, it’s not yet clear if vaccination will stop the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases.

The shots still must be studied in children, and during pregnancy. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said late Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify.

While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not to give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607960673587.png" alt="Sandra Lindsay, an ICU Nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens is the first American to get the vaccine in a non-trial setting, according to the office of New York Governor.&nbsp;Dr. Michelle Chester administered the shot." />
 <figcaption>Sandra Lindsay, an ICU Nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens is the first American to get the vaccine in a non-trial setting, according to the office of New York Governor.&nbsp;Dr. Michelle Chester administered the shot.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressThe largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history got underway Monday as health workers in select hospitals rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic — a day of optimism even as the nation’s death toll neared 300,000.“I feel hopeful today. Relieved,” said critical case nurse Sandra Lindsay after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York.Shipments of precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech began arriving at hospitals around the country Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch LIVE as the first person in New York gets vaccinated: <a href="https://t.co/a3p8QOtK6w">https://t.co/a3p8QOtK6w</a>&mdash; Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1338488030416388098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s a long tunnel,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as he watched Lindsay’s vaccination via video.Several other countries also have OK’d the vaccine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-gives-first-covid-19-vaccine-doses-719288c35d8ef8815b56b1c9c5fff24c">including the U.K.</a>, which started vaccinating last week.For health care workers who, along with nursing home residents, will be first in line for vaccination, hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world.“This is mile 24 of a marathon. People are fatigued. But we also recognize that this end is in sight,” said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish Health Services in Seattle.Packed in dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405">the first of nearly 3 million doses&nbsp;</a>being shipped in staggered batches this week made their way by truck and by plane around the country Sunday from Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory. Once they arrive at distribution centers, each state directs where the doses go next.Some hospitals across the country spent the weekend tracking their packages, refreshing FedEx and UPS websites for clues.More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week. And later this week, the FDA will decide whether to green light the world’s second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine, made by Moderna Inc.Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions, not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers — and then deliver a second dose three weeks later.“We’re also in the middle of a surge, and it’s the holidays, and our health care workers have been working at an extraordinary pace,” said Sue Mashni, chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.Plus, the shots can cause temporary fever, fatigue and aches as they rev up people’s immune systems, forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations.A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccination. Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don’t and the rest are unsure, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">recent poll&nbsp;</a>by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.The FDA, considered the world’s most strict medical regulator, said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears safe and strongly protective -- and laid out the data behind it in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see.“Please people, when you look back in a year and you say to yourself, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ I hope you’ll be able to say, ‘Yes, because I looked at the evidence,’” Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press. “People are dying right now. How could you possibly say, ‘Let’s wait and see.’”Still, emergency use means the vaccine was cleared for widespread use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people is complete -- and that research is continuing to try to answer additional questions. While effective against COVID-19 illness, it’s not yet clear if vaccination will stop the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases.The shots still must be studied in children, and during pregnancy. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said late Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify.While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not to give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.___

 🎥 ICU nurse is first to get Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination

PORTAGE, Michigan (AP) — The first of many freezer-packed COVID-19 vaccine vials made their way to distribution sites across the United States on Sunday, as the nation’s pandemic deaths approached the horrifying new milestone of 300,000.

The rollout of the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, ushers in the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history — one that health officials hope the American public will embrace, even as some have voiced initial skepticism or worry. Shots are expected to be given to health care workers and nursing home residents beginning Monday.

Quick transport is key for the vaccine, especially since this one must be stored at extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Early Sunday, workers at Pfizer — dressed in fluorescent yellow clothing, hard hats and gloves — wasted no time as they packed vials into boxes. They scanned the packages and then placed them into freezer cases with dry ice. The vaccines were then taken from Pfizer’s Portage, Michigan, facility to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, where the first cargo plane took off amid what airport officials called a “jubilant” mood.

“This is a historic day,” said Richard W. Smith, who oversees operations in the Americas for FedEx Express, which is delivering 630-some packages of vaccine to distribution sites across the country. United Parcel Service also is transporting a share of the vaccine.

Helping with the transport of the vaccine has special meaning to Bruce Smith, a FedEx package handler at the Grand Rapids airport, whose older sister, Queen, died after she contracted the coronavirus in May. She was hospitalized in Georgia one day after he saw her on a video chat, and they never spoke again.

“I think she would be ecstatic to know that something that has ravaged our family — that a family member is going to be part of such a big project,” said Smith, 58, whose nephew, Queen’s son, also got sick and is still undergoing therapy for stroke-like symptoms. “It is very, very important.”

Tracked with GPS-enabled sensors, the initial shipments were expected to contain about 3 million doses, with many more to come. Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine will be staggered, arriving in 145 distribution centers Monday, with another 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday. Doses of the vaccine, co-developed by German partner BioNTech, are given out based on each state’s adult population. Then the states decide where they go first.

In California, where health care workers will be among the first to be vaccinated, state health officials are prioritizing hospitals that have adequate storage capacity, serve high-risk populations and have the ability to vaccinate people quickly.

Initial surveys have found that even some health care workers don’t want to be first in line. Dr. Graham Snyder, who’s led the vaccine task force at Pennsylvania health care giant UPMC, estimates that about half of its employees are willing to get the vaccine as soon as it’s offered.

But many health officials expect enthusiasm to grow.

“There’s that thought that maybe they don’t have to be so afraid to come to work if they can be vaccinated and be immune,” said Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, medical director of hospital quality at the 40-hospital Oschner Health System in Louisiana and Mississippi. Employees approved for the first round are getting texts and emails directing them to schedule their initial injection, she said. Enough vaccine is being saved so that each person who gets the first dose of vaccine can get a second required shot a few weeks later.

Senior U.S. government officials, including some White House officials who work in close proximity to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, are among those who will be offered coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-michael-pence-f5a759c9d597d0e458c5fc9d2a96ee6f">vaccines as soon as this week</a>, two people familiar with the matter confirmed.

A survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of Americans want to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Another quarter aren’t sure, while the remaining quarter say they aren’t interested. Some simply oppose vaccines in general. Others are concerned that the vaccines have been rushed and want to see how the rollout goes.

Dr. Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, which approved the Pfizer vaccine Friday, has repeatedly insisted that the agency’s decision was based on science, not politics, despite a White House threat to fire him if the vaccine wasn’t approved before Saturday.

Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief science adviser to Operation Warp Speed, a U.S. effort to get vaccines developed quickly, also said he is “very concerned” about the skepticism about the vaccine in some circles.

Coronavirus Update