Information was provided by Dr. Craig Whiting, Texas Department of State Health Services Local Health Authority, and Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator for San Saba County
CASES: Total = 286
San Saba County = 99
City of San Saba = 187
RECOVERED: 249
San Saba County = 83
City of San Saba = 166
ACTIVE: 31
San Saba County = 12
City of San Saba = 19
NO HOSPITALIZATIONS
DEATHS: 7
Message from Dr. Craig Whiting:
There are over 150 COVID vaccines against COVID in development around the world in various stages of development and readiness. There are two poised to be approved by US governmental agencies in the next several days. The first one that is likely to be approved for administration is made by Pfizer and requires a second dose 21 days after the first dose. This vaccine has to be kept at very cold, subzero temperatures during shipment and in storage so only facilities with the special freezers will be able to maintain and administer this vaccine.
The next vaccine that will likely be available here is manufactured by Moderna. It does not require freezing for shipment or storage. Similar to Pfizer’s product it does require a second dose in order to be effective but the Moderna product second dose is 28 days after the initial dose.
Both vaccines impart 90- 95% benefit in preventing COVID based on the studies done on the almost ½ million volunteers who have received the vaccine which is remarkable for any vaccine. Protection seems to be effective within a week after the second dose of either vaccine. Neither vaccine contains any live or weakened COVID virus so they cannot cause a COVID infection in the person receiving the vaccine. The vaccines have small bits of protein (RNA) from the virus which is how they impart protection. This exposure to a protein from the virus allows the body to have prepare ammunition (antibodies) to fight COVID and to more quickly recognize COVID if it tries to invade.
Both vaccines cause some discomfort at the site of vaccination and may cause low grade fever, achiness and symptoms similar to a cold or mild influenza infection. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It is an indication that the body has recognized the vaccine and is busy building antibodies to protect the person. These symptoms are caused by the development of an “immune response” (building antibodies) that allows our bodies’ to fight infection and this triggers messengers in the blood stream that cause the symptoms. The symptoms are usually mild and respond to simple remedies like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).
No COVID vaccine will likely be widely available for several months, and with the recent production problems that Pfizer has had it is likely that the initial quantity of their vaccine delivered to the states will be smaller than originally planned. This may delay the availability of the vaccine for those who were first in line to receive it (hospital workers and emergency personnel) but, hopefully, soon there will be enough vaccine for everyone who desires this protection.
Reminder from Marsha Hardy:
Keep trying to protect yourself and those around you!
Simply: Wash your hands, wear your mask, pay attention to your surroundings and, mostly, be kind!
You can see Marsha's daily updates on: Facebook/San Saba County Emergency Management.
TESTING INFORMATION: San Saba No Cost Rapid Testing - Civic Center:
• December 10, Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• December 16, Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• December 17, Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Other Testings:
Integrity Urgent Care does COVID-19 testing 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Appointments are preferred due to high volumes of those being tested. The testing is FREE to those who do not have health insurance. 254-577-5642 Location: 310 E. Hwy. 190 Suite 254, Copperas Cove, Texas.