PARK RAPIDS, MN (June 23rd, 2021) – CHI St. Joseph’s Health Community Health will be hosting community COVID-19 vaccination clinics weekly, starting June 29th, at the Community Health Office. Online sign up is available at the St. Joseph’s website, https://chisjh.org/coronavirus/vaccine-clinic-information/ or by searching the MDH Vaccination Clinic sign up, https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us/appointment/en/clinic/search. Upcoming clinics are scheduled June 29th, July 6th, July 13th, and July 20th. All clinics are from 1-3pm. Both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered, with both first and second doses available. There is no charge for vaccination.
Hubbard County cases have fallen in recent weeks, but both the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control are concerned about the rise of variants that spread more easily and may cause more severe disease. Both the B.1.617 (Delta, first identified in India) and P.1 (Gamma, first identified in Brazil) are circulating in Minnesota. Both of these variants may cause more severe disease, particularly in the unvaccinated. An outbreak of the P.1 variant has been identified in nearby Cass County.
Vaccination reduces overall transmission – and thus the chances for mutations and variants – and in many cases can protect against variants. That’s why it’s so important for all who are eligible to get vaccinated.
We are transitioning into a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic where we can expect outbreaks of illness among pockets of unvaccinated people. Hubbard County’s vaccination rate of 48% is under the overall state rate, making the county more vulnerable to outbreaks of the virus that could tax local resources.
If you are eligible, contact Community Health or your healthcare provider to get vaccinated as soon as you can. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. If you have questions about vaccines, please contact Community Health at 218.237.5464 to speak with a public health nurse, or contact your medical provider.
If you are not yet vaccinated, please continue to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask and social distancing particularly in large crowds, staying home when sick, and getting tested when recommended.