New vaccine could help curb COVID-19 cases

PADUCAH — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine, and health experts are urging the community to get immunized.

Thursday, the FDA approved a new COVID-19 vaccine that targets the currently circulating variants. 

Marshall Davis, owner and pharmacist at Davis Drugs, a pharmacy located in Paducah, said he’s seen an increase in the number of people getting sick with COVID-19 recently.

“There’s been a pretty good increase in COVID. I think it’s circulating through the community- course, schools starting back, and parents are moving around, you know, maybe some travel over the summer vacation maybe people brought it back to our community,” said Davis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID Data Tracker, this is in addition to high cases across the country. The tracker reports that there was an average of 16.7% test positivity rate four weeks ago. Within the past week, that number has increased to 18% positive.

At Baptist Health Paducah, however, the test positivity rate decreased from 14.2% last week to 10.3% last week. In contrast, a nurse practitioner at Mercy Health Lourdes—Midtown Pediatrics office said they’re seeing a spike in COVID numbers locally. 

Kent Koster, Public Health Director for the Purchase District Health Department, said the rise in cases is likely due to waning antibodies and previous vaccinations. Koster said the old vaccine will not protect against the new variants.

“The difference is that—this one will protect you, you know, and the old one will not protect you,” said Koster. 

Davis spoke on how the variants change.

“Covid virus mutates and changes over time, and so as that changes, then they- they update and modify the vaccine so that it more addresses the changes that the virus has made,” said Davis. 

The vaccine will likely be delivered to many pharmacies and health departments within the next couple of weeks. 

Though he said the vaccine will be helpful for everyone, Koster said there are a few groups that should specifically get it. 

“We just really want to place a lot of focus and emphasis on those that are at high risk, you know, anybody that’s 65 years or older, anyone who’s a weakened immune system, you know, they need to go out and get this vaccine when it’s available,” said Koster. 

Davis Drugs is making a list of people who would like to get the vaccine when it’s delivered. 

Davis gives advice to those who do test positive for COVID-19. 

“You wanna probably stay home until the fever’s gone for 24 hours and just protect yourself and your family. Don’t go out in the community and spread those germs around,” said Davis. 

Davis said the cost of the new vaccine is likely to be between $100 to $130 without insurance. However, Davis said the costs should be fully covered for those who have insurance. 

Koster said if you’ve been sick with COVID-19 recently, wait three months to get the new shot. If you got the old vaccine recently, wait 60 days to get the new one. Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered within the same visit.

The following pharmacies and health departments have confirmed that they will carry the vaccine, though the delivery date varies. Most of them expect the vaccines to arrive in mid-September or before. 

Kentucky:

• CVS at 538 Lone Oak Road, Paducah
• Walgreens at 521 Lone Oak Road, Paducah
• Davis Drugs at 250 Lone Oak Road, Paducah
• Purchase District Health Department at 916 Kentucky Ave, Paducah

Illinois:

• Walgreens at 110 W 10th St, Metropolis
• Southern Seven Health Department at 1230 Commercial Park Road, Metropolis

Missouri:

• Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center at 1121 Linden St, Cape Girardeau
• Scott County Health Department at 102 Groves Estates Ct., Sikeston

Tennessee:

• Walgreens at 700 E Reelfoot Ave, Union City