Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Administrator Kim Sallin reported this week that pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine are now available by appointment for children aged 5-11.

“Our supply is limited so for now we can only offer it by appointment so we don’t waste any of the vaccine,” said Sallin, noting that each vial contains 10 doses.

On Friday, the department provided 10 shots.

Overall, Sallin said the OCHD administered 90 doses of the vaccine last week, including the pediatric shots, and in the month of October, a total of 293 vaccinations were provided.

As of Tuesday, active COVID cases had declined in the last week from 44 to 18, with 2,386 total cases since the pandemic began, which is 18 more than last week.

To date, 24 Osage County residents have died from COVID.

Nine school-aged cases were reported in the last week, many of whom exhibited no symptoms.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), 26.97% of county residents aged 12-17 and 50.78% of those 18 and older have received the vaccine.

Vaccinations are available at the weekly walk-in clinic at the Annex Building on Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Sallin said there has been an issue brought to her attention regarding some medical providers not testing for COVID.

“From what’s been reported to us, we’re hearing that some doctors are telling patients that if someone in the household has COVID, then everyone else should assume they have it, even if they don’t have symptoms,” said Sallin. “Everyone needs to advocate for themselves when it comes to testing. If you have symptoms, ask your provider why it’s not necessary to test for COVID or the flu.”

Sallin added that in the event testing is still not conducted, home-test kits are effective but stressed the importance of reporting a positive result to the OCHD as soon as possible.

“We’re in uncharted territory here with things changing all the time but the bottom line is that if you have symptoms, you should find out for sure whether it’s COVID or something else,” said Sallin.

A total of 19 flu shots were given last week, with 1,034 doses administered in October.

Sallin reported that hand sanitizer has been received will be delivered to area schools soon by Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Hoffman.

On Dec. 4, OCHD is helping with the Shop with a Hero program being put on by the Linn Police Department. A “Wrap with a Hero” session will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the old Family Dollar store next to Linn Thriftway and is open to the public.

Sallin also said that on Dec. 14, an OCHD-sponsored blood drive will be held from 2-6 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn.