Weekly Update - September 24, 2021 - Nashua, NH
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Weekly Update - September 24, 2021
Dear Community Partner,
As the chief public health strategist for the Greater Nashua Public Health Region (GNPHR), the Nashua Division
of Public Health and Community Services (DPHCS) prepares weekly updates to inform our community on
matters related to the health and safety of our community. The Greater Nashua Public Health Region (GNHPR)
includes the towns and cities of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Lyndeborough, Mason,
Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham, and Wilton.
COVID-19 Data Update
Community level transmission is determined by two metrics established in conjunction with the State of
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). When the number of new cases per 100k over 14 days is less than 50 OR the
percent positivity rate is below 5%, a community is designated as "GREEN" or minimal. When cases
exceed 50 per 100k OR the percent positivity rate is between 5% to 10%, a community is designated as
"YELLOW" or moderate. When a community exceeds the highest threshold (>100 cases per 100k OR
>10% positivity rate), a community is designated as "RED" or substantial.
Currently, the city of Nashua is experiencing SUBSTANTIAL community level transmission.
Active Case
A case that is currently sick or in
isolation due to COVID-19.
New Infections per 100k
Number of new cases within 14 days
standardized by population size to
compare across groups. This shows
how quickly disease is occurring in
the community or the incidence of
disease.
7-Day Total Test Positivity Rate
Number of PCR and Antigen tests
that are positive compared to the
number of PCR and Antigen tests
that are negative over the past 7
days. A rising positivity rate indicates
a rising number of infections in the
community.
Fully Vaccinated
Percent of residents fully
vaccinated. Full vaccination occurs 2
weeks after the second dose in a 2-
dose series or 2 weeks after a single-
dose vaccine.
COVID-19 Testing: Where to Go, At-Home Testing
Testing is critically important to help reduce the spread of
COVID-19. If you have symptoms or have had a known
exposure to someone with COVID-19, you should be tested
regardless of your vaccination status.
If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone
for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour
period) with someone who has COVID-19, you should stay
home to quarantine, unless you have been fully vaccinated.
People who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine
after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they
have symptoms.
If you develop even mild symptoms, get tested for COVID-19.
Local COVID-19 Testing Sites
Harbor Care Health & Wellness
Location: 45 High Street, Nashua
Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 to 10 AM or 3 to 4 PM
To schedule an appointment, call 603-821-7788
Lamprey Health Care
Location: 22 Prospect Street, Nashua
Click here for more information
Statewide Testing
New Hampshire PCR Testing Sites
New Hampshire Rapid Antigen Testing Sites
If you need to be tested for COVID-19 and can’t get tested by a healthcare provider, you can consider
using either a self-collection kit or a self-test that can be performed at home or anywhere else.
Sometimes a self-test is also called a “home test” or an “at-home test.” Self-collection kits and tests are
used for the detection of current infection.
These self-collection kits and tests are available in a pharmacy or retail store either by prescription or
over the counter. Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions before using the test. Report your
results to your healthcare provider or, if you do not have a healthcare provider, to your local or state
health department.
If your COVID-19 test is positive, call a healthcare provider about your positive result and stay in
contact with them during your illness. To avoid spreading the virus to others, maintain isolation. As
much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home or place of
residence. Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that
causes COVID-19.
Learn more about self-testing for COVID-19 on the CDC's website.
CDC Recommends Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Shot for 65+,
Immunocompromised, and High-Risk Workers
In August 2021, the U.S. FDA approved and the CDC recommended
that individuals with severely compromised immune systems who
received the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines should get a
third dose as part of their vaccination series.
On September, 22, 2021, the U.S. FDA amended the emergency use
authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to allow for use of a
single booster dose in certain individuals, to be administered at
least six months after completion of the primary series.
"The FDA considered the data that the vaccine manufacturer submitted, information presented at the
VRBPAC meeting, and the committee’s discussion, and has determined that based on the totality of the
available scientific evidence, a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be effective in
preventing COVID-19 and that the known and potential benefits of a booster dose outweigh the known
and potential risks in the populations that the FDA is authorizing for use." (FDA.gov). This authorization
applies only to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine because currently, Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine that
has supplied data regarding a recommendation for a booster dose.
The CDC now recommends the following individuals should receive a booster shot of Pfizer's COVID-
19 vaccine at least 6 months after completion of the primary series:
People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings,
People aged 50 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions,
People aged 18 to 49 years with underlying medical conditions, based on their individual benefits
and risks, and
People aged 18 to 64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission
because of occupational or institutional setting, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Individuals should contact their healthcare provider to determine eligibility and to receive a third
dose or booster shot.
The FDA has not approved COVID-19 booster shots for the general public. At this point, experts
continue to review data and the need for booster shots for people who received the Moderna and
Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine.
DH-H Promotes COVID-19 Vaccination Confidence with New Webinar Series
Widespread confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines against infectious diseases is critical to
protect and promote public health, whether we’re in a pandemic or not. As the world currently battles
COVID-19, vaccine rates are still far below levels needed to end the pandemic. Public and private
agencies are working to remove logistical barriers for people seeking vaccination, but still, more than 35
percent of people currently decline vaccination, or are vaccine hesitant, despite strong public health
recommendations.
Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (D-HH)
is committed not only to promoting vaccines for all, but providing ongoing education and important
tools to assure the public that vaccination against COVID-19 is the key to ending the pandemic.
On Thursday, September 30, Project ECHO will launch a seven-part series titled “Promoting Vaccine
Confidence: COVID-19 and Beyond.” The free online course will explore diverse drivers of vaccine
uptake and will provide strategies to overcome concerns and increase vaccine acceptance.
Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m., concluding on December 16. Topics include:
The Scientific Basis of COVID-19 Vaccination
Emerging Issues in COVID-19 Vaccination; Boosters, Breakthroughs, Variants
Understanding the Drivers for Increasing Vaccine Uptake
Effective Communications to Increase Vaccine Confidence and Uptake
Misinformation, Disinformation and the Media
Promoting Vaccine Uptake in Young Families, including Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and
Children
Organizational Strategies to Increase Vaccine Uptake: Using Carrots and Sticks
Health care providers, social service providers, business leaders, and the community at large are
encouraged to register. To learn more and register, visit https://connect.echodartmouth-
hitchcock.org/Series/Registration/1423.
Preventing Norovirus
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu” or gastrointestinal (stomach and
digestive) illness. Norovirus infection can occur in only one or a few people, or it can be responsible for
large outbreaks, such as in long-term care facilities. Norovirus infects people of all ages, however, it may
be more common in adults and older children.
How does someone get norovirus?
Norovirus is spread from person to person via feces, but some evidence suggests that the virus is
spread through the air during vomiting. Outbreaks have been linked to sick food handlers, ill healthcare
workers, cases in facilities such as nursing homes spreading to other residents, contaminated shellfish,
and water contaminated with sewage.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
The incubation period for norovirus is 1-2 days. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting,
and stomach cramps. Diarrhea may occasionally accompany vomiting. Fever is usually low grade or
absent. Infected people generally recover in 1-2 days.
What is the treatment for norovirus infection?
No specific treatment is available. People who become dehydrated might need to be rehydrated by
taking liquids by mouth. Occasionally patients may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous
fluids.
How can norovirus be prevented?
Good hand washing is the most important way to prevent the transmission of norovirus. Wash your
hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the bathroom, when handling food, and after
changing diapers. While there is no vaccine for norovirus, there are additional precautions people
should take:
Cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating
Wash raw vegetables before eating
Dispose of sewage in a sanitary manner
Stay home if you have symptoms of norovirus.
To learn more about how to protect yourself and others from norovirus,visit the CDC.
Check Out this Video - We Can Break the Stigma
It’s not always easy to tell others that your child
has challenges managing their thoughts or
feelings. And it might not be easy for your child
to express that either.
Even though it is normal for people of any age
to experience these challenges, our culture has
told us we need to fear them.
Check out this video by Children's Hospital
Colorado about why it is this way and what we
can all do to give each other the support we
need to get help.
For support and services here in New Hampshire, call 2-1-1 or visit www.211nh.org.
EQUITY CORNER
Upcoming Webinar: Who Gets Health Care and Why: AI, Race, and Health Equity
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, September 28, 2021, 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the way physicians and hospitals view and
provide medical care. Yet, the latest evidence suggests the common practice of race-correction in
clinical AI often exacerbates longstanding inequities in health outcomes and the type of health care
received by Black Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and other medically underserved groups.
Algorithms that correct for race are currently used to inform treatment for more than thirteen
specialties, including obstetrics, cardiology, nephrology, and oncology, even though race has not been
proven to be a reliable indicator of genetic differences.
Speakers:
David S. Jones, MD, PhD - Ackerman Professor of the Culture of Medicine, Harvard University
Fay Cobb Payton, PhD - Professor of Information Technology/Analytics at North Carolina State
University and Program Director at the National Science Foundation
Rajeev Ronanki - SVP & Chief Digital Officer, Anthem, Inc.
For this NIHCM webinar, leading researchers in the field will explore:
The scope and likely impact of clinical AI on health disparities and guidelines for considering race
in diagnostic algorithms.
How we can design clinical AI algorithms that can improve health equity and reduce the impact
of systemic racism on health.
The role that health care organizations and health plans can play in creating AI that supports
health equity.
REGISTER HERE
Prepare to Protect: Involve Children in Preparedness Efforts This week, celebrate National Preparedness Month by teaching youth to be prepared. Being prepared for disasters starts at home. Involving youth in disaster and emergency planning is a crucial part of your family's emergency plan because every family member has a role to play in preparedness. As a parent, guardian, or other family member, you have an important role to play when it comes to protecting the children in your life and helping them be prepared in case disaster strikes. Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated by communicating your family's emergency plan with them. If you do not have one yet, involve them in the process of creating one! You can use this template to start. It's as easy as a conversation over dinner. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved. For many kids, reactions to disasters are short-term. But some children can be at risk for more long- term psychological distress. Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Parents and caregivers can also help kids cope after a disaster. It's important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions. Encourage dialogue and answer questions, limit media exposure, make time for them and find support, and keep to a routine. To get children involved, visit https://www.ready.gov/kids.
Public Health Resources
Nashua COVID-19 Hotline: 603-589-3456
Workforce Development Upcoming Events
UNH Professional Development & COVID-19 Testing
Training: Facilitation Skills - December 10 Mondays & Wednesdays / 8 to 10 a.m. or 3 - 4 p.m.
Learn More and Apply Here Harbor Care Health & Wellness (45 High St., Nashua)
By Appointment: 603-821-7788
Professional Development: NHADACA
Trainings (Scholarships Available!) Lamprey Health Care (22 Prospect St., Nashua)
Learn More and Apply Here By Appointment: 603-883-1626
Early Childhood Advocacy Training - Sept.
27 at 6pm SSANA
Learn More and Register Here September 27 / 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Between Temple St. and Cottage St., Nashua)
Job Opportunity: Director of
Interprofessional Education and the
Telehealth Practice Center Immunizations (including COVID), Child Lead Testing
Learn More and Apply Here September 28 / 4 - 7 p.m.
Nashua Public Health (18 Mulberry St., Nashua)
Job Opportunity: Public Health By Appointment: Call 603-589-4500, Option 2
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Apply Here
STD/HIV/HCV Testing, COVID-19 Vaccines
Job Opportunity: Epidemiologist September 29 / 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Apply Here Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua)
Additional Resources SSANA
September 29 / 2 - 4 p.m.
(29 Temple St., Nashua)
Nashua COVID-19 Website
STD/HIV/HCV Testing
September 30 / 3 - 6 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information Nashua Public Health (18 Mulberry St., Nashua)
By Appointment: Call 603-589-4500, Option 2
Regional Data Our Immunization Clinic scheduled for
Dashboard Friday, October 1, 2021 is cancelled.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
NH Housing Assistance
Regional Food Resources
Statewide Resources
The New Hampshire Public Health Association NHResponds is the system used pre-register (NHPHA) supports science-based public health policy volunteers who are interested in responding in an and has a goal of informing citizenry of changes emergency. Whether you are a healthcare provider, needed in the laws and government in order to administrative specialist, a retired professional, or improve public health. Subscribe to the ”Health in All ready to help in your community, New Hampshire Policies” E-News on their website. needs you. Check it out! City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services STAY CONNECTED! Greater Nashua Public Health Network (603) 589-4500 www.nashuanh.gov/DPHCS
You can also read
