TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly says Kansas will encourage its public schools to hold clinics for vaccinating children ages 5 through 11 against COVID-19. 

She said Wednesday during the Safer Classrooms Workgroup virtual meeting that some doses already have arrived in the state. Kansas expects to receive nearly 128,000 doses of a vaccine for younger children manufactured by Pfizer by next week.

The governor announced that all children in the 5-11 age group immediately will be eligible for shots and that most of the doses should be in the state by Friday. The doses would be enough for 46% of the state's children ages 5 through 11 to get the first of two shots.

The state is following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccinating children.

Federal health authorities gave the final go-ahead Tuesday for a vaccine made by Pfizer for younger children.

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly says Kansas will encourage its public schools to hold clinics for vaccinating children ages 5 through 11 against COVID-19. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cdn1YlkaONE?start=144" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>She said Wednesday during the Safer Classrooms Workgroup virtual meeting that some doses already have arrived in the state. Kansas expects to receive nearly 128,000 doses of a vaccine for younger children manufactured by Pfizer by next week.The governor announced that all children in the 5-11 age group immediately will be eligible for shots and that most of the doses should be in the state by Friday. The doses would be enough for 46% of the state's children ages 5 through 11 to get the first of two shots.The state is following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccinating children.Federal health authorities gave the final go-ahead Tuesday for a vaccine made by Pfizer for younger children.

🎥 Gov. Kelly encourages schools to hold COVID vaccine clinics 

TOPEKA —Governor Kelly discussed Kansas' plan to vaccinate children ages 5-11 years-old at the Safer Classrooms Workgroup virtual meeting Wednesday. It began just after 1p.m.

The state expects to receive nearly 128,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 through 11 next week, and the state also announced Wednesday that all of them will be eligible for shots. 

According to Gov. Kelly, Kansas is following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccinating children. 

Kansas has about 276,000 children from 5 through 11, and the doses it expects to receive will be enough for 46% of them to get the first of two shots. Federal health authorities gave the final go-ahead Tuesday for a vaccine made by Pfizer for younger children.

TOPEKA —Governor Kelly discussed Kansas' plan to vaccinate children ages 5-11 years-old at the Safer Classrooms Workgroup virtual meeting Wednesday. It began just after 1p.m.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cdn1YlkaONE?start=144" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The state expects to receive nearly 128,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 through 11 next week, and the state also announced Wednesday that all of them will be eligible for shots. According to Gov. Kelly, Kansas is following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccinating children. Kansas has about 276,000 children from 5 through 11, and the doses it expects to receive will be enough for 46% of them to get the first of two shots. Federal health authorities gave the final go-ahead Tuesday for a vaccine made by Pfizer for younger children.

🎥 Governor on Kansas plan to vaccinate kids age 5-11 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 19 on Monday.

The KDHE reported Monday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,623 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635959549231.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 19 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 15 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 19 on Monday.The KDHE reported Monday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,623 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 19 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

ATLANTA (AP) —U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign.

The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.

The announcement by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky came only hours after an advisory panel unanimously decided Pfizer’s shots should be opened to the 28 million youngsters in that age group.

Millions of shots made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have already been shipped to states, doctors’ offices and pharmacies, to be ready for CDC’s decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635890433225.png" alt="CDC Director Rochelle Walensky" />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Rochelle Walensky</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) —U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign.The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="The vaccine for children has an orange cap-Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>The vaccine for children has an orange cap-Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky came only hours after an advisory panel unanimously decided Pfizer’s shots should be opened to the 28 million youngsters in that age group.Millions of shots made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have already been shipped to states, doctors’ offices and pharmacies, to be ready for CDC’s decision.___

US gives final clearance to COVID-19 shots for kids 5 to 11

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 18 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c7635a1a-58e8-41d8-8900-897fecd1d3da">RELATED:&nbsp;COVID vaccine boosters available in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses</a>

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 14 on Friday.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,604 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635786388476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 18 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c7635a1a-58e8-41d8-8900-897fecd1d3da">RELATED:&nbsp;COVID vaccine boosters available in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses</a>As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, up from 14 on Friday.The KDHE reported Monday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,604 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 18 new COVID cases in Ellis County since Friday

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-five-million-dead-memorials-acd5a25aabb50f203c8ee059803a1bec">global death toll</a>&nbsp;from COVID-19 topped 5 million on Monday, less than two years into a crisis that has not only devastated poor countries but also humbled wealthy ones with first-rate health care systems.

Together, the United States, the European Union, Britain and Brazil — all upper-middle- or high-income countries — account for one-eighth of the world’s population but nearly half of all reported deaths. The U.S. alone has recorded over 740,000 lives lost, more than any other nation.

“This is a defining moment in our lifetime,” said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Public Health. “What do we have to do to protect ourselves so we don’t get to another 5 million?”

The death toll, as tallied by Johns Hopkins University, is about equal to the populations of Los Angeles and San Francisco combined. It rivals the number of people killed in battles among nations since 1950, according to estimates from the Peace Research Institute Oslo. Globally, COVID-19 is now the third leading cause of death, after heart disease and stroke.

The staggering figure is almost certainly an undercount because of limited testing and people dying at home without medical attention, especially in poor parts of the world, such as India.

Hot spots have shifted over the 22 months since the outbreak began, turning different places on the world map red. Now,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-europe-pandemics-moscow-b844be49c2811a454440d4e84d5e5338">the virus is pummeling Russia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-religion-europe-eastern-europe-2c9668cdc75b37ed140345405fcc3f54">Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe</a>, especially where rumors, misinformation and distrust in government have hobbled vaccination efforts. In Ukraine, only 17% of the adult population is fully vaccinated; in Armenia, only 7%.

“What’s uniquely different about this pandemic is it hit hardest the high-resource countries,” said Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, director of ICAP, a global health center at Columbia University. “That’s the irony of COVID-19.”

Wealthier nations with longer life expectancies have larger proportions of older people, cancer survivors and nursing home residents, all of whom are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, El-Sadr noted. Poorer countries tend to have larger shares of children, teens and young adults, who are less likely to fall seriously ill from the coronavirus.

India, despite its terrifying delta surge that peaked in early May, now has a much lower reported daily death rate than wealthier Russia, the U.S. or Britain, though there is uncertainty around its figures.

The seeming disconnect between wealth and health is a paradox that disease experts will be pondering for years. But the pattern that is seen on the grand scale, when nations are compared, is different when examined at closer range. Within each wealthy country, when deaths and infections are mapped, poorer neighborhoods are hit hardest.

In the U.S., for example, COVID-19 has taken an outsize toll on Black and Hispanic people, who are more likely than white people to live in poverty and have less access to health care.

“When we get out our microscopes, we see that within countries, the most vulnerable have suffered most,” Ko said.

Wealth has also played a role in the global vaccination drive, with rich countries accused of locking up supplies. The U.S. and others are already dispensing booster shots at a time when millions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-technology-business-cape-town-health-48046e5255cc3e4fa27455fc12ab5e52">across Africa haven’t received a single dose</a>, though the rich countries are also shipping hundreds of millions of shots to the rest of the world.

Africa remains the world’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-europe-philanthropy-31fd688936caec29ff082412ef23e30a">least vaccinated region</a>, with just 5% of the population of 1.3 billion people fully covered.

In Kampala, Uganda, Cissy Kagaba lost her 62-year-old mother on Christmas Day and her 76-year-old father days later.

“Christmas will never be the same for me,” said Kagaba, an anti-corruption activist in the East African country that has been through multiple lockdowns against the virus and where a curfew remains in place.

The pandemic has united the globe in grief and pushed survivors to the breaking point.

“Who else is there now? The responsibility is on me. COVID has changed my life,” said 32-year-old Reena Kesarwani, a mother of two boys, who was left to manage her late husband’s modest hardware store in a village in India.

Her husband, Anand Babu Kesarwani, died at 38 during India’s crushing coronavirus surge earlier this year. It overwhelmed one of the most chronically underfunded public health systems in the world and killed tens of thousands as hospitals ran out of oxygen and medicine.

In Bergamo, Italy, once the site of the West’s first deadly wave, 51-year-old Fabrizio Fidanza was deprived of a final farewell as his 86-year-old father lay dying in the hospital. He is still trying to come to terms with the loss more than a year later.

“For the last month, I never saw him,” Fidanza said during a visit to his father’s grave. “It was the worst moment. But coming here every week, helps me.”

Today, 92% of Bergamo’s eligible population have had at least one shot, the highest vaccination rate in Italy. The chief of medicine at Pope John XXIII Hospital, Dr. Stefano Fagiuoli, said he believes that’s a clear result of the city’s collective trauma, when the wail of ambulances was constant.

In Lake City, Florida, LaTasha Graham, 38, still gets mail almost daily for her 17-year-old daughter, Jo’Keria, who died of COVID-19 in August, days before starting her senior year of high school. The teen, who was buried in her cap and gown, wanted to be a trauma surgeon.

“I know that she would have made it. I know that she would have been where she wanted to go,” her mother said.

In Rio de Janeiro, Erika Machado scanned the list of names engraved on a long, undulating sculpture of oxidized steel that stands in Penitencia cemetery as an homage to some of Brazil’s COVID-19 victims. Then she found him: Wagner Machado, her father.

“My dad was the love of my life, my best friend,” said Machado, 40, a saleswoman who traveled from Sao Paulo to see her father’s name. “He was everything to me.”

By CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated PressThe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-five-million-dead-memorials-acd5a25aabb50f203c8ee059803a1bec">global death toll</a>&nbsp;from COVID-19 topped 5 million on Monday, less than two years into a crisis that has not only devastated poor countries but also humbled wealthy ones with first-rate health care systems.Together, the United States, the European Union, Britain and Brazil — all upper-middle- or high-income countries — account for one-eighth of the world’s population but nearly half of all reported deaths. The U.S. alone has recorded over 740,000 lives lost, more than any other nation.“This is a defining moment in our lifetime,” said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Public Health. “What do we have to do to protect ourselves so we don’t get to another 5 million?”The death toll, as tallied by Johns Hopkins University, is about equal to the populations of Los Angeles and San Francisco combined. It rivals the number of people killed in battles among nations since 1950, according to estimates from the Peace Research Institute Oslo. Globally, COVID-19 is now the third leading cause of death, after heart disease and stroke.The staggering figure is almost certainly an undercount because of limited testing and people dying at home without medical attention, especially in poor parts of the world, such as India.Hot spots have shifted over the 22 months since the outbreak began, turning different places on the world map red. Now,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-europe-pandemics-moscow-b844be49c2811a454440d4e84d5e5338">the virus is pummeling Russia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-religion-europe-eastern-europe-2c9668cdc75b37ed140345405fcc3f54">Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe</a>, especially where rumors, misinformation and distrust in government have hobbled vaccination efforts. In Ukraine, only 17% of the adult population is fully vaccinated; in Armenia, only 7%.“What’s uniquely different about this pandemic is it hit hardest the high-resource countries,” said Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, director of ICAP, a global health center at Columbia University. “That’s the irony of COVID-19.”Wealthier nations with longer life expectancies have larger proportions of older people, cancer survivors and nursing home residents, all of whom are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, El-Sadr noted. Poorer countries tend to have larger shares of children, teens and young adults, who are less likely to fall seriously ill from the coronavirus.India, despite its terrifying delta surge that peaked in early May, now has a much lower reported daily death rate than wealthier Russia, the U.S. or Britain, though there is uncertainty around its figures.The seeming disconnect between wealth and health is a paradox that disease experts will be pondering for years. But the pattern that is seen on the grand scale, when nations are compared, is different when examined at closer range. Within each wealthy country, when deaths and infections are mapped, poorer neighborhoods are hit hardest.In the U.S., for example, COVID-19 has taken an outsize toll on Black and Hispanic people, who are more likely than white people to live in poverty and have less access to health care.“When we get out our microscopes, we see that within countries, the most vulnerable have suffered most,” Ko said.Wealth has also played a role in the global vaccination drive, with rich countries accused of locking up supplies. The U.S. and others are already dispensing booster shots at a time when millions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-technology-business-cape-town-health-48046e5255cc3e4fa27455fc12ab5e52">across Africa haven’t received a single dose</a>, though the rich countries are also shipping hundreds of millions of shots to the rest of the world.Africa remains the world’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-europe-philanthropy-31fd688936caec29ff082412ef23e30a">least vaccinated region</a>, with just 5% of the population of 1.3 billion people fully covered.In Kampala, Uganda, Cissy Kagaba lost her 62-year-old mother on Christmas Day and her 76-year-old father days later.“Christmas will never be the same for me,” said Kagaba, an anti-corruption activist in the East African country that has been through multiple lockdowns against the virus and where a curfew remains in place.The pandemic has united the globe in grief and pushed survivors to the breaking point.“Who else is there now? The responsibility is on me. COVID has changed my life,” said 32-year-old Reena Kesarwani, a mother of two boys, who was left to manage her late husband’s modest hardware store in a village in India.Her husband, Anand Babu Kesarwani, died at 38 during India’s crushing coronavirus surge earlier this year. It overwhelmed one of the most chronically underfunded public health systems in the world and killed tens of thousands as hospitals ran out of oxygen and medicine.In Bergamo, Italy, once the site of the West’s first deadly wave, 51-year-old Fabrizio Fidanza was deprived of a final farewell as his 86-year-old father lay dying in the hospital. He is still trying to come to terms with the loss more than a year later.“For the last month, I never saw him,” Fidanza said during a visit to his father’s grave. “It was the worst moment. But coming here every week, helps me.”Today, 92% of Bergamo’s eligible population have had at least one shot, the highest vaccination rate in Italy. The chief of medicine at Pope John XXIII Hospital, Dr. Stefano Fagiuoli, said he believes that’s a clear result of the city’s collective trauma, when the wail of ambulances was constant.In Lake City, Florida, LaTasha Graham, 38, still gets mail almost daily for her 17-year-old daughter, Jo’Keria, who died of COVID-19 in August, days before starting her senior year of high school. The teen, who was buried in her cap and gown, wanted to be a trauma surgeon.“I know that she would have made it. I know that she would have been where she wanted to go,” her mother said.In Rio de Janeiro, Erika Machado scanned the list of names engraved on a long, undulating sculpture of oxidized steel that stands in Penitencia cemetery as an homage to some of Brazil’s COVID-19 victims. Then she found him: Wagner Machado, her father.“My dad was the love of my life, my best friend,” said Machado, 40, a saleswoman who traveled from Sao Paulo to see her father’s name. “He was everything to me.”___

COVID-19's global death toll tops 5 million 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 20 on Wednesday.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,586 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635527958102.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c7635a1a-58e8-41d8-8900-897fecd1d3da">RELATED:&nbsp;COVID vaccine boosters available in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses</a>As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 20 on Wednesday.The KDHE reported Wednesday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,586 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 17 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

COVID-19 vaccine boosters are available now in Ellis County, but Ellis County Health Services officer Jason Kennedy said most vaccinated residents in the region remain protected by their earlier shots.

"Late last Friday, they approved booster shots, really kind of for
anybody that was able to get the additional shot," Kennedy said. 

Individuals over 12 can now recive a Pfizer vaccine booster, and those over 18 can receive Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson boosters, he said.

While various health organizations at the state and national level have, over recent weeks, sometimes issued conflicting messages, Kennedy said the essential information to know is the boosters are available, but vaccines for children under 12 are not.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc9f436e-9699-4ee1-9612-1b028fd6e85c">RELATED: 34 new cases of COVID in Ellis County since Monday</a>

For those looking to get a booster shot, Kennedy said there are a variety of local options.

"We posted a couple of different locations or different options for
people in town on our Facebook page," Kennedy said. "But essentially the private pharmacies,
... both Dillons locations, Walgreens, Walmart pharmacy, and then Ellis
County Health Department, we are all providing booster dose vaccines as well as
primary vaccines."

Further, he said the health department has each vaccine type.

"So right now, if
you want a booster dose, come get one," he said.

And while he said there are currently rumors about the boosters being circulated, Kennedy said the boosters are safe and contain the same formulation as the original vaccine.

"I've seen
some misinformation about this, that it's a new formulation or there's new chemical," Kennedy said. "There is nothing different or new about the
booster doses. It is the exact same thing that was given as an
initial primary dose. And so if if you didn't have any issues with the
initial shot, come get your booster shot if you want it."

While he said the doses are ready for anyone, residents should not feel a need to immediately sign up.

"I will say that there
is not a time-critical crunch to getting booster doses done right now," Kennedy said. "We don't see waning immunity with the initial vaccinations, we actually see them
still very highly effective at that reduction in hospitalizations and really
reduction in deaths."

He said residents curious if they should get a booster and when should consult their physician, but generally, the booster shots will benefit the public health.

"Boosters are a good thing," Kennedy said. "It is the
exact same dose, there's nothing different about it, it will increase
your level of immunity. It will hopefully continue to keep us safe
here through the winter."

And the evidence is showing that even without boosters, the vaccines are remaining effective, he said.

"It's working well," Kennedy said. "And we're not seeing any changes to that. So (for) the people that
aren't vaccinated. The vaccines work. The vaccines are safe."

But with massive amounts of information and disinformation available, he encouraged speaking with a physician to make the best possible health decision.

"It's pretty rare that someone just decides like some internet research, and then they're like, 'Oh, you know what, I'm gonna start treatment on my own cancer.' ... We go to the doctor. We trust the doctor to make the best decision because ... that's what they do. That's what they're good at. And so same thing with this. 

"If you have questions, (call) your doctor."

<div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 update: Oct. 27, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7qbee-1116e3a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostCOVID-19 vaccine boosters are available now in Ellis County, but Ellis County Health Services officer Jason Kennedy said most vaccinated residents in the region remain protected by their earlier shots."Late last Friday, they approved booster shots, really kind of for
anybody that was able to get the additional shot," Kennedy said. Individuals over 12 can now recive a Pfizer vaccine booster, and those over 18 can receive Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson boosters, he said.While various health organizations at the state and national level have, over recent weeks, sometimes issued conflicting messages, Kennedy said the essential information to know is the boosters are available, but vaccines for children under 12 are not.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cc9f436e-9699-4ee1-9612-1b028fd6e85c">RELATED: 34 new cases of COVID in Ellis County since Monday</a>For those looking to get a booster shot, Kennedy said there are a variety of local options."We posted a couple of different locations or different options for
people in town on our Facebook page," Kennedy said. "But essentially the private pharmacies,
... both Dillons locations, Walgreens, Walmart pharmacy, and then Ellis
County Health Department, we are all providing booster dose vaccines as well as
primary vaccines."Further, he said the health department has each vaccine type."So right now, if
you want a booster dose, come get one," he said.And while he said there are currently rumors about the boosters being circulated, Kennedy said the boosters are safe and contain the same formulation as the original vaccine."I've seen
some misinformation about this, that it's a new formulation or there's new chemical," Kennedy said. "There is nothing different or new about the
booster doses. It is the exact same thing that was given as an
initial primary dose. And so if if you didn't have any issues with the
initial shot, come get your booster shot if you want it."While he said the doses are ready for anyone, residents should not feel a need to immediately sign up."I will say that there
is not a time-critical crunch to getting booster doses done right now," Kennedy said. "We don't see waning immunity with the initial vaccinations, we actually see them
still very highly effective at that reduction in hospitalizations and really
reduction in deaths."He said residents curious if they should get a booster and when should consult their physician, but generally, the booster shots will benefit the public health."Boosters are a good thing," Kennedy said. "It is the
exact same dose, there's nothing different about it, it will increase
your level of immunity. It will hopefully continue to keep us safe
here through the winter."And the evidence is showing that even without boosters, the vaccines are remaining effective, he said."It's working well," Kennedy said. "And we're not seeing any changes to that. So (for) the people that
aren't vaccinated. The vaccines work. The vaccines are safe."But with massive amounts of information and disinformation available, he encouraged speaking with a physician to make the best possible health decision."It's pretty rare that someone just decides like some internet research, and then they're like, 'Oh, you know what, I'm gonna start treatment on my own cancer.' ... We go to the doctor. We trust the doctor to make the best decision because ... that's what they do. That's what they're good at. And so same thing with this. "If you have questions, (call) your doctor."

🎙 COVID vaccine boosters available in Ellis Co.; Kennedy discusses

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 35 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

It was the highest number of new cases between reporting periods in Ellis County since early September. KDHE updates COVID-19 case numbers each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 20 COVID-19 inpatients.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,569 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635355634981.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 35 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.It was the highest number of new cases between reporting periods in Ellis County since early September. KDHE updates COVID-19 case numbers each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 20 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Monday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,569 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 35 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Friday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,534 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635183646193.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Friday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,534 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 12 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 17 COVID-19 inpatients.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,522 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634923190823.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 17 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Friday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 63 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,522 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 12 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.

Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.

The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.

“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”

There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.

Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.

As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.

The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.

“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.

She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.

About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.

And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.

Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.

“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.

But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.

Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634854349255.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses." />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qoqia5YkwHc?start=24501" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.___

🎥 COVID-19 vaccine: CDC panel backs expanded booster rollout

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.

The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.

The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.

Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.

For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.

The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.

FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.

Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.

The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.

Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.

“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.

FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.

Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.

FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.

“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.

In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.

On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rou7tf4vaUU?start=414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.___

🎥 FDA answers questions after approval to mix COVID vaccines

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 29 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">the KDHE also reported a new cluster</a> of COVID-19 cases at Good Samaritan Society Ellis, with 15 cases reported in the last 14 days. A new cluster of six cases in the past 14 days also was reported at&nbsp;Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit and Assisted Living in WaKeeney.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 62 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,510 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634749954023.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 29 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">the KDHE also reported a new cluster</a> of COVID-19 cases at Good Samaritan Society Ellis, with 15 cases reported in the last 14 days. A new cluster of six cases in the past 14 days also was reported at&nbsp;Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit and Assisted Living in WaKeeney.As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 12 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Wednesday 52 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 62 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,510 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 29 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Monday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 14 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Friday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 62 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,481 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634578287041.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 14 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Friday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 62 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,481 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 14 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 18 Wednesday. Hays Med also reported an additional death in the last 24 hours, but that number is not reflected in today's KDHE reporting.

The KDHE reported Friday 51.15 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate, including recommended third doses for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 49.6 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,467 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634328473886.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 19 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 18 Wednesday. Hays Med also reported an additional death in the last 24 hours, but that number is not reflected in today's KDHE reporting.The KDHE reported Friday 51.15 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate, including recommended third doses for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 49.6 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,467 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 12 new virus cases in Ellis County since Wednesday

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 50.96 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 55.61 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,456 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634150330848.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;The KDHE reported Wednesday 50.96 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 55.61 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,456 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: 17 new virus cases in Ellis County since Monday

The KDHE also identified an additional COVID-related death, bringing the total to 76.

There have been 618 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 18 Wednesday.

The KDHE reported Friday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 61 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,422 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633714669394.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Ellis County COVID-19 update: Oct. 8, 2021" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p4acs-10fcf99-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 17 new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Wednesday.The KDHE also identified an additional COVID-related death, bringing the total to 76.There have been 618 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Friday morning, HaysMed reported 14 COVID-19 inpatients, down from 18 Wednesday.The KDHE reported Friday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 61 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,422 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 76 coronavirus-related deaths.

🎙 18 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Wednesday; Kennedy discusses

Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.

Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.

Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.

One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country

“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.

“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.

Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.

If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for children younger than 12, today’s age cutoff for the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. Not only can youngsters sometimes get seriously ill, but keeping them in school can be a challenge with the coronavirus still raging in poorly vaccinated communities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: We and <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> officially submitted our request to <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine in children 5 to &lt;12. <a href="https://t.co/72Z2HXlkOx">pic.twitter.com/72Z2HXlkOx</a>&mdash; Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1446082946335715334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pfizer announced in a tweet that it had formally filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.Now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.One big change: Pfizer says its research shows the younger kids should get a third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children and cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country“It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine,” said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer’s study at Duke University and doesn’t yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.“We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them,” said Sebastian’s mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be “overjoyed” if the FDA clears the vaccine.Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11, and has said there were no serious side effects. The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-sized doses, there’s another hurdle before vaccinations in this age group can begin. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend the shots for youngsters, and the CDC will make a final decision.___

Pfizer asks US to allow COVID shots for kids ages 5 to 11

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysMedical">HaysMed</a> has released September statistics on COVID admissions:

There were 46 total admissions for COVID-19, and those patients had an average age of 57.

Forty-two of the 46 were unvaccinated, and 24 of the admissions were from Ellis County. There were five COVID-related deaths at HaysMed in September, with an average age of 64.

There were also 46 COVID admissions in August, 20 in July and just eight in June.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ed15ddb2-d301-4def-82b7-5e47f6051caf">RELATED:&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID patients: 'They're all unvaccinated, so we know the vaccine works'</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625771878390.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysMedical">HaysMed</a> has released September statistics on COVID admissions:There were 46 total admissions for COVID-19, and those patients had an average age of 57.Forty-two of the 46 were unvaccinated, and 24 of the admissions were from Ellis County. There were five COVID-related deaths at HaysMed in September, with an average age of 64.There were also 46 COVID admissions in August, 20 in July and just eight in June.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ed15ddb2-d301-4def-82b7-5e47f6051caf">RELATED:&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID patients: 'They're all unvaccinated, so we know the vaccine works'</a>

HaysMed reports September COVID statistics

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported eight new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.

It was the lowest number of new cases between reporting periods since Aug. 4. KDHE releases updated case statistics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

There have been 601 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.

As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.

The KDHE reported Wednesday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 61 percent.

Since reporting began, there have been 4,405 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633541849983.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported eight new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Monday.It was the lowest number of new cases between reporting periods since Aug. 4. KDHE releases updated case statistics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.There have been 601 new COVID-19 cases identified in Ellis County after a lull in cases dwindled to near zero in June.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.&nbsp;As of Wednesday morning, HaysMed reported 18 COVID-19 inpatients.The KDHE reported Wednesday 51 percent of eligible Ellis County residents are fully vaccinated, noting the vaccination rate for the eligible Kansas population (12 and older) is approximately 61 percent.Since reporting began, there have been 4,405 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 75 coronavirus-related deaths.

Coronavirus Update