COVID-19 – Page 15 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

Race is on between variants and vaccinations, according to doctors

Four COVID-19 variants have been found in Kansas so far, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Dr. Lee Norman, who spoke at the University of Kansas Health System’s news conference on Tuesday morning, said the variants haven’t yet taken hold and become the dominant strain in Kansas. On Monday, there were 483 new COVID-19 cases in Kansas in three days, and most new cases were likely not the strains.

Dr. Norman said the other strains that haven’t shown up yet in Kansas probably will be seen later.

“I think of this as a road race between the vaccine administration and the wild strain, the normal strain and these variants that are out there,” Dr. Norman said. “I think it really emphasizes, one, the need to do the anti-contagion measures of masks and distancing, and then vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, because we know vaccines work against these strains.”

It’s going to require constant vigilance, more testing, more wastewater testing and to continue to do the things that are successful, Dr. Norman said. That’s why Kansas is the fifth best in the nation on new cases and sixth best in the country on new hospitalizations, he said.

Doctors at the news conference were hoping the pause on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine on Tuesday morning would not affect the Kansas vaccination program. There was plenty of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine available, according to the doctors, and those vaccines were not affected by the Johnson and Johnson “pause.”

Dr. Norman said the spread of variants is a lingering concern. Vigilance at the state level is going up all the time, with the state doing increased genomic sequencing on samples of COVID-19 to determine if there are variants. Wastewater testing is happening around the state, he said. It’s reassuring there hasn’t been a marked uptick, and it’s continuing to drop in some communities, he said.

“We’re all kind of holding our breath with vaccine administration going up, up and up,” he said.

Over 34 percent of the state’s residents have received at least one dose of the vaccines, and more than 1.5 million total doses have been administered, with almost a million Kansas residents receiving at least one dose, according to state vaccine information on the KDHE website. Of those over 18, about 50 percent have received one dose, according to Dr. Norman.

“I’d breathe easier knowing when people get at least their first shot,” he said. “And yet, those variants are looming over us. We’re following it very closely and can respond quickly with mobile units and a strike team should there be an outbreak.”

To people who have symptoms and think they shouldn’t get tested because people around them are vaccinated now, Dr. Norman said it’s a bit early. There’s still a lot of asymptomatic infections, and they know COVID-19 is also in a lot of younger people. Younger groups are more vaccine hesitant or want to wait to get a vaccine, he said.

The age group of 18 to 35 are vaccine hesitant and may be more likely to be infected because of gatherings, and can be asymptomatic, he said. For this group, there is a campaign, “Know Before You Go,” for those who are leaving college to go home or visit relatives.

There is still a need for widespread testing, he said. Like a wildfire, the worst seems to be over, but there are still hotspots, and testing will tell them where to go to put the flare-ups out.

Dr. Norman said they’re at an important point now. Only a few weeks ago, demand was outstripping vaccine supply, but now, more vaccine is available and it needs to get into people’s arms, he said. A number of sites have open slots and have not requested more vaccine in a week or two, he said. That vaccine then can be reallocated to counties with strong demand, he said. However, those areas where demand is not strong still have a number of people who need to be vaccinated, he said.

Residents of Wyandotte County can get vaccinations at three walk-in clinics run by the Health Department, and also through appointments through the KU Health System as well as at several pharmacies (listed below under “Vaccinations available”).

According to Dr. Norman, there has been good success with monoclonal antibodies as a preventive measure administered to those who were living in a household where there was an active COVID-19 infection, including against variants. Alternate ways of administering this are being tried, such as under the skin, not just intravenous infusion.

The KDHE COVID-19 website has a tab for COVID-19 variants, which identifies 22 counties as having variant cases. (See https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery, with the tab “Variants”).

According to the KDHE map, Wyandotte County had three cases of B.1.1.7. variant. This variant, also known as the United Kingdom variant, has 50 percent increased transmission and likely increased severity based on hospitalizations and case fatality rates.

The KDHE map also showed two cases of the B.1.1.7. variant detected in Johnson County and one case of the same variant detected in Leavenworth County.

There were 22 cases of the B.1.1.7. variant detected in Shawnee County, the Topeka area, according to the KDHE map. Sedgwick County, the Wichita area, had 46 cases of the B.1.1.7. variant, according to the KDHE map. Labette County had 18 cases of the same variant. Neosho County had nine cases of the same variant.

According to the KDHE, Sedgwick County also has been found to have one case of the Brazilian or P.1 variant. P.1 was reported on Tuesday by KDHE.

The South African variant, B.1.351, also has been identified in Kansas, according to the KDHE. Finney County has two cases of this variant.

Harper County has one case, Douglas County has one case and Jefferson County has two cases of B.1.429, a California strain, according to the KDOT map. It has a 20 percent increased transmissibility, and therapeutics can be significantly effective.

The P.1, from Brazil by way of Japan, can be treated with monoclonal antibody therapeutics, which have a moderate impact on neutralization, according to KDHE information.

The South African variant, B.1.351, has a 50 percent increased transmission rate. Monoclonal antibody therapeutics may have a moderate impact on neutralization, according to KDHE information.

Some of the variant cases in the state may have been in the past and no longer are active.

The KDHE recommends wearing a mask, social distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill, isolation, quarantine and getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The mask should be snugly fitting with multiple layers of fabric.

Vaccinations available

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 100 S. 20th, (18th and Ridge), Kansas City, Kansas; the former Kmart building, 7836 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas; and at the former Best Buy location, 10500 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas.

Vaccinations are open to anyone older than 16 who is a resident of Wyandotte County.

Residents may walk in to the Health Department clinics or may make an appointment. All clinics are open Tuesday to Friday, and the Armory location also is scheduled to be open on Saturday, April 17. Two of the clinics will be open on Mondays.

Go to WycoVaccines.org to schedule an appointment online, or call 3-1-1. Walk-ins also are available. The vaccination schedule for the rest of the month also is available at WycoVaccines.org.

Other sites available for vaccinations

The University of Kansas Health System also may have vaccinations for Wyandotte and Johnson county residents. Any residents of Kansas can call to get an appointment whether they are patients or not at the health system.

KU Health System offers vaccinations seven days a week at different locations. Appointments are required. Current patients may use MyChart to make an appointment. Others may call 913-588-1227 or visit kansashealthsystem.com/vaccine to see if vaccines are available.

There are also pharmacies giving COVID-19 vaccinations in Wyandotte County by appointment, when available. These include Price Chopper and Hen House pharmacy at 76th and State Avenue, and 81st and State Avenue (see https://www.ballsfoodspharmacy.com/), and Medicine Shoppe pharmacy at 65th and Parallel by appointment when available (see https://www.facebook.com/The-Medicine-Shoppe-Kansas-City-281548241870522). CVS pharmacy also has announced that it will offer COVID-19 vaccines at one of its stores in Kansas City, Kansas. Registration is at CVS.com.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

The University of Kansas Health System reported 13 active COVID-19 patients on Tuesday morning, an increase of one from Monday, according to Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control. Of the 13 patients, five were in the intensive care unit, no change from Monday. Two patients were on a ventilator, no change since Monday. There were another 12 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, no change since Monday. There is a total 25 patients, an increase of one from Monday.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of eight COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, April 13, for a cumulative 18,233 cases, according to the Unified Government Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage. There was a cumulative total of 288 deaths reported, the same as Monday. There were 21.5 percent of Wyandotte County residents who had completed at least one dose of vaccination as of April 7, according to the Health Department’s vaccine page.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 165,329 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 60. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,351.

The state of Kansas reported 304,719 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday, April 12, an increase of 483 cases since Friday. There were a total cumulative 4,930 deaths reported statewide.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Tuesday night reported 31,345,312 cases in the United States, with 563,440 total deaths reported nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled

Free COVID-19 testing is available from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Faith Deliverance Family Worship Center, 3043 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. No appointment is needed. People may be tested regardless of symptoms or exposure. Testing is through Vibrant Health and the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force.

COVID-19 testing is available beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., by appointment. The tests are listed on the Go Get Tested site
at www.gogettested.com/Kansas. The WellHealth tests need appointments, which can be made at the website.

Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Wednesday, April 14. For more information, visit https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19. To see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

The Health Department is offering saliva COVID-19 tests to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at the former Kmart at 7836 State Ave. and at the former Best Buy at 10500 Parallel Parkway. Tests from the Health Department are free for those who live or work in Wyandotte County.

The tests are open to asymptomatic people as well as those who have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. Check with the UG Health Department’s Facebook page to see if there have been any changes in the schedule. Bring something that shows that you live or work in Wyandotte County, such as a utility bill.

The Health Department’s general contact page is at https://www.wycokck.org/Health/Contact.aspx. Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

Testing sites are at https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19.

Saliva testing is now offered at the UG Health Department. For more information, visit https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/02042021-ugphd-saliva-testing-available.pdf.

The University of Kansas doctors’ news conference is online at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/148058347166610.

The University of Kansas Health System COVID-19 update page is at https://www.facebook.com/kuhospital/videos/292961702392386.

A weekly vaccine report for the state of Kansas is at
https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/123/Vaccine-Historical-Document-22521?bidId=.

Wyandotte County has a local mask and social distancing ordinance approved by the UG Commission. The UG COVID-19 webpage is at https://alpha.wycokck.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information.

The KDHE’s COVID-19 webpage is at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/.

The KC Region COVID-19 Hub dashboard is at https://marc2.org/covidhub/.

The Wyandotte County page on the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 website is at https://bao.arcgis.com/covid-19/jhu/county/20209.html.

The Johns Hopkins Data in Motion, a presentation on critical COVID-19 data in the past 24 hours, is at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/covid-19-daily-video.

Kansas suspends Johnson and Johnson vaccine after reports of blood clots

The state of Kansas is suspending administration of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after reports of blood clots in six cases nationally.

Dr. Lee Norman, Kansas secretary of health, said at a news conference Tuesday morning held by the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas, that Kansas is putting a pause on administering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine while federal agencies look at these cases.

It was reported earlier Tuesday that the FDA and CDC would investigate six cases of cerebral blood clots reported nationally.

Dr. Norman added that there has not been a case to their knowledge that has been reported in Kansas.

He said he doesn’t think this would be a huge setback to the vaccine distribution system in Kansas. In the past several weeks, Kansas had been scheduled to receive more of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, but it never materialized – a smaller amount was received, he said.

There were some Johnson and Johnson vaccination clinics scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday, and those were put on hold, he added. The KDHE is recommending to shift and use the two existing vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer, he added.

According to doctors at the news conference, the finding of blood clots affected only the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, in women ages 18 through 48, and did not involve the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

Dr. David Wild, vice president of performance improvement, said the reports about the Johnson and Johnson vaccine are a signal that the safety mechanisms are working as designed. Blood clots were found in six cases out of 6.8 million, making it a “one in a million” event, according to Dr. Wild.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at the health system, agreed that this is an indication that people are monitoring the vaccines 24 hours a day to make sure they are safe. He said the process has been transparent.

According to other reports, the blood clots were more likely to occur up to 13 days after the Johnson and Johnson dose was received, Dr. Hawkinson said.

Dr. Wild said the KU Health System had not given out any Johnson and Johnson vaccines in the Kansas City area. They have plenty of other vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer available, he said, and they will continue giving those.

The doctors commented that they believe vaccinations, along with masking, will continue to be the way to stop the spread of COVID-19 variants in Kansas. So far, the number of variants identified here is low, according to the doctors.

One-third of Kansas residents have already received at least one dose of vaccine, according to state officials.

The state will receive 39,780 Pfizer first doses, 38,610 Pfizer second doses, 29,000 Moderna first doses and 27,800 Moderna second doses during the week of April 19, according to the KDHE.

The CDC has scheduled an emergency meeting of its advisory committee on Wednesday.

The KDHE stated Tuesday that those who have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine should contact their health care provider if they have any symptoms and report any illness to the VAERS Reporting System, https://vaers.hhs.gov.

The joint CDC and FDA statement:

“As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination. Treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might typically be administered. Usually, an anticoagulant drug called heparin is used to treat blood clots. In this setting, administration of heparin may be dangerous, and alternative treatments need to be given.

“CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.

“Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously. People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. Health care providers are asked to report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.htmlexternal icon.”

Age of those hospitalized for COVID-19 dropping, doctor says

Younger COVID-19 patients now are taking up more space in the hospital compared to last October through December, according to doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.

There were more patients 50 to 65 years old and fewer in the 75 to 80 group admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 in March and April, according to doctors.

Dr. David Wild, vice president of performance improvement, said at Monday morning’s news conference that all COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit were less than 50 currently and some were in their 20s. In general, fewer are in their 70s while more were in the 40 to 65 range, he said.

As people are now testing less for COVID-19, wastewater treatment tests are picking up more information about COVID-19 infections, he said.

Dr. Wild said wastewater testing tells them there is very likely more disease, more COVID-19 in communities, than testing numbers and the positivity rates are showing.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, said testing rates have gone down in some communities, so they are seeing a lot better picture from other measurements such as hospitalization numbers and wastewater testing.

Dr. Hawkinson said they’ve always been concerned with hospital capacity, but have been fortunate here in not running out of hospital space and supplies. Also they’re concerned that young people who are a majority of the work force can stay healthy and continue to work.

He said they need to continue urging vaccination, as data shows vaccination prevents asymptomatic disease, symptomatic disease, hospitalization and death.

“We need to continue to give the message that the vaccines we have are safe and effective,” he said. They can keep people healthy and allow them to continue to work, he added. They also can help get out of the pandemic and get back to normal.

In other COVID-19 news Monday, Gov. Laura Kelly said more than one-third of Kansas residents have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Since the vaccine first arrived in Kansas, my administration has prioritized getting shots in arms as quickly and efficiently as possible – and those efforts are paying off,” Gov. Kelly said. “Getting a third of Kansans their first dose is a significant milestone for our state, and further evidence that we are well on our way back to that sense of normal we’ve been seeking for over a year.”

To date, the CDC reports that 37.7% of Kansans have been vaccinated with one dose, and 22.9% of Kansans have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series.

“Today’s announcement is a team effort and the result of a tremendous amount of work from local public health departments, health care providers, community leaders, and countless others,” Marci Nielsen, chief adviser to the governor for COVID-19 Coordination, said. “I want to thank everyone for their efforts. Governor Kelly’s administration will continue putting in the work to ensure every Kansan can get a vaccine as quickly as possible.”

Gov. Kelly announced in late March that the state would make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans 16 and older, entering the final phase of the vaccine prioritization plan several weeks ahead of schedule.

All Kansans are encouraged to use the Vaccine Finder tool, https://vaccinefinder.org/, to find the nearest location with an available vaccine, according to the governor’s office.

“Though more Kansans are getting vaccinated and case numbers are declining, we can’t take our foot off the gas,” Gov. Kelly said. “The pandemic isn’t over. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated, and also continue wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding large groups, and getting tested.”

Gov. Kelly announced recently that no-cost COVID-19 testing will continue to be available through the end of 2021 to everyone at community testing sites across the state.

The state recently launched a “Know Before You Go” campaign to remind Kansans that testing continues to be available. Kansans are encouraged to get tested before going or coming back from anywhere, even if they show no symptoms. This includes visiting family, friends, going on vacation, going shopping, or even going somewhere local. Tests are one of the easiest ways Kansans can protect themselves, their families, coworkers, and members of the community.

To schedule a test, visit kdheks.gov/coronavirus to find a testing site closest to you.

“Until every Kansan is vaccinated, testing will remain an essential tool in our COVID-19 response,” Gov. Kelly said. “I urge Kansans to take advantage of this service.”

In Kansas City, Kansas, Sporting Kansas City announced Monday that its players and staff were receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in partnership with Price Chopper’s pharmacy.

“We are proud to help meet the needs of our partners at Sporting Kansas City,” said Casie Broker, of Price Chopper Enterprises, in a news release. “We appreciate their commitment to our community and look forward to a great season.”

All residents of Kansas and Missouri that are 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are required through these pharmacies. For information on receiving the vaccine at Price Chopper in the Kansas City area, visit https://www.mypricechopper.com/about-us/covid-vaccine,

More vaccinations available

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 100 S. 20th, (18th and Ridge), Kansas City, Kansas; the former Kmart building, 7836 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas; and at the former Best Buy location, 10500 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas.

Vaccinations are open to anyone older than 16 who is a resident of Wyandotte County.

Residents may walk in to the Health Department clinics or may make an appointment. Clinics are open Tuesday to Friday, and the Armory location also will be open on Saturday, April 17.

Go to WycoVaccines.org to schedule an appointment online, or call 3-1-1. Walk-ins also are available. The vaccination schedule for the rest of the month also is available at WycoVaccines.org.

Other sites available for vaccinations

The University of Kansas Health System also may have vaccinations for Wyandotte and Johnson county residents. Any resident of Kansas can call to get an appointment whether they are a patient or not at the health system.

COVID-19 case numbers reported

The University of Kansas Health System reported 12 active COVID-19 patients on Monday morning, an increase of three from Friday, according to Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control. Of the 12 patients, five were in the intensive care unit, an increase of one from Friday. Two patients were on a ventilator, a decrease of one since Friday. There were another 12 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized but are out of the acute infection phase, a decrease of six from Friday. There is a total 24 patients, a decrease of three from Friday. Dr. Hawkinson said three of the active COVID-19 patients had been vaccinated. Two did not realize they had the virus and were in the hospital for another reason. The virus was discovered during routine admission tests. Another patient had COVID-19 symptoms. All three were over 55.

Wyandotte County reported an increase of 42 COVID-19 cases on Monday, April 12, for a cumulative 18,225 cases, according to the Unified Government Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage. There was a cumulative total of 288 deaths reported, the same as Friday.

The Mid-America Regional Council’s COVID-19 dashboard reported 165,176 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday. The daily average of new hospitalizations was 60. The number of cumulative deaths was 2,347.

The state of Kansas reported 304,719 cumulative COVID-19 cases on Monday, April 12, an increase of 483 cases since Friday. There were a total cumulative 4,930 deaths reported statewide.

The Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard on Monday night reported 31,267,359 cases in the United States, with 562,521 total deaths reported nationwide.

COVID-19 tests scheduled

Free COVID-19 testing is available from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 12, at All Saints parish, 811 Vermont, Kansas City, Kansas. No appointment is needed. People may be tested regardless of symptoms or exposure. Testing is through Vibrant Health and the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force.

COVID-19 testing is available beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Lowe’s, 6920 State Ave., by appointment. The tests are listed on the Go Get Tested site
at www.gogettested.com/Kansas. The WellHealth tests need appointments, which can be made at the website.

Unified Government Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites are scheduled to be open on Tuesday, April 13. For more information, visit https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/pages/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19. To see if there is any change to the schedule, visit https://www.facebook.com/UGHealthDept.

The Health Department is offering saliva COVID-19 tests to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at the former Kmart at 7836 State Ave. and at the former Best Buy at 10500 Parallel Parkway. Tests from the Health Department are free for those who live or work in Wyandotte County.