JAMESTOWN, N.D. (CVHD) – Stutsman County officials and health care providers are urging anyone in the community eligible for a COVID vaccination to consider being vaccinated as soon as possible.

CVHD reports that COVID cases are increasing in the community and around the State. On July 19, 2021, there were 14 active cases of COVID reported in Stutsman County.

One concern about increasing cases COVID-19 is the Delta Variant. Robin Iszler, CVHD unit administrator, reports there is concern with the Delta variant as it appears to transmit more easily among younger populations. This may lead to more cases of COVID-19, increased hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. Children and adults aged 5-49 years are 2.5 times more likely to become infected with the Delta variant. Vaccinated individuals play an important role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 Virus. “By getting vaccinated you are protecting not only yourself, but our community while playing a critical role in stopping COVID-19 from mutating.” reports Iszler.

Mayor Dwaine Heinrich wants to remind the community that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, safety practices such as testing, isolating, masking and social distancing have worked to slow the spread of the virus. “While these practices continue to be important, vaccines are the best defense against COVID-19 and the variants and I strongly encourage all who have not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.” States Heinrich.

Dr. Sarah Schatz with Sanford Clinic also wants the community to know that younger people could be at an increased risk, because children under the age of 12 are not yet able to get vaccinated. “It is important for those who are able to be vaccinated to do so as soon as possible to help our community protect the most vulnerable.” states Schatz.

Dr. Glenn Wiens, Essentia Health Jamestown is also encouraging the community to consider vaccination as soon as possible, early research shows the vaccines available in the United States Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, do offer protection against the Delta variant. “The vaccine has been very well tolerated with only occasional side effects reported for up to 36 hours after receiving the vaccine”. States Dr. Wien’s.

Over 600,000 doses of COVID vaccine have been given in North Dakota as of July 1, 2021. Vaccine is widely available in Jamestown, anyone interested in receiving a vaccination should contact their health care provider, pharmacy, or public health as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

People who are not vaccinated and cannot be vaccinated are recommended to mask and social distance in public to protect themselves and others from the virus.

For more information, please call CVHD at 252-8130.