Newest Covid vaccine to be available next week

With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Niagara County, the newest vaccine for the virus is expected to be available locally next week through Department of Health vaccination clinics, as well as doctor’s offices.

Numbers for confirmed cases of the Covid virus have shown an increase over the past two months, primarily in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and among those with compromised immune systems, according to Daniel Stapleton, director of Niagara County Department of Health. It’s a trend that’s repeating across the rest of the state and nation.

And it’s likely that the uptick isn’t going to go away anytime soon. As the weather gets cooler, Stapleton said, people will more likely be indoors and among crowds which spreads viruses, Covid included.

As to the virus’ strength, as time passes the Covid-19 virus is mutating — that’s how it survives — and in the past, there have been variants of the original virus, such as the Omicron or Delta variants, that have been more “virulent.” Stapleton said this year’s strain does not seem to be as aggressive as those variants.

Area schools currently have no requirement for COVID-19 vaccinations, Stapleton said, and never did during the pandemic — school staff were required to acquire a vaccination or get tested once a week.

Stapleton also noted that his office has taken to social media to advise people of the new vaccine as well as other shots being offered this time of year to, “let them make the best decision for themselves and their families.”

“We post on Facebook, social media, Instagram to remind people that this is the time to consider a vaccine for the seasonal flu virus,” he said.

Stapleton had one last piece of advice: “If you feel sick, stay at home. If your child feels sick, keep them at home. Those tried and true actions will stop the flu, and Covid, from spreading.”