FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2021
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Active Case Count Reaches 156
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 32 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, August 25. Of the new cases, 28 are in Stebbins, two are in St. Michael, and two are in Shishmaref. All patients are safely isolating, and close contacts have been notified.
Of the 154 active COVID-19 cases in the region; 112 are in Stebbins, 35 are in St. Michael, three are in Nome, two are in Savoonga, one is in Gambell, one is in Unalakleet, and two are in Shishmaref.
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 16 and older.
“The public can now be very confident that this vaccine meets the highest standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved vaccine,” said Dr. Mark Peterson, medical director of Norton Sound Health Corporation.
In the U.S., nearly all the cases of severe illness, hospitalization, and death continue to occur among those not yet vaccinated against COVID-19. NSHC strongly encourages everyone in the region to contact their local clinic to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
In a village, residents may contact their local clinic to arrange a COVID-19 vaccination, including the Pfizer vaccine specifically. In Nome, vaccinations are available at the following times and places:
• Wellness Bus at Day Shelter Entrance: vaccines are available every Tuesday from 9:30 – 10 a.m.
• Nome NSHC Pharmacy: walk in Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Appointments are available Monday-Saturday at picktime.com/NSHC.
• Nome Airport: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered to all incoming passengers 12 years and older.
• Nome Post Office: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available every Wednesday from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Wellness Bus at AC: vaccines are available every Wednesday from 8:30 – 11 a.m.