12/02/21: Area Happenings & Accomplishments
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Eligibility for COVID-19 boosters expanded to all adults
All adults ages 18 years and older who received a primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series, Pfizer or Moderna, or those who received the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, are eligible to receive booster doses to help protect them against COVID-19.
Locally, Clay County Public Health offers free COVID-19 vaccination clinics each Thursday afternoon. On Thursday, Dec. 2, public health is offering extended hours for the weekly clinic, with appointments available from noon-5 p.m. Appointments can be made online by following this link on the Spencer Hospital website: https://covid-vax-clinic.as.me/schedule.php or by calling the public health office at (712) 264-6380.
Also, COVID-19 vaccination opportunities are available at area family medicine clinics and local pharmacies. For a current listing of opportunities and types of vaccine available at each location, please check http://www.vaccines.gov.
Earlier this month, the Advisory Community on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated recommendations for the groups who should receive a booster dose of vaccine along with those who may receive a booster dose. Currently, anyone ages 18 and older can get a booster shot. Guidelines are as follows:
• If you received Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine two-dose series:
You should get a booster shot if you are age 50 or older, or you are age 18 or older and live in a long-term care setting. You may get a booster if you are 18 years of age or older. Your booster shot should be at least six months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. You can choose your type of vaccine and do not need to get the same vaccine as you did for the two-dose series.
• If you received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine:
You should get a booster if you are 18 years old or older. Your booster dose needs to be at least two months after your initial shot. You can get any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States for your booster dose.
Northwest Iowans serve on PDI board
Shannon Landauer, President and CEO of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, was elected president of the Professional Developers of Iowa at the organization’s annual meeting.
“It is really a special time to have the opportunity to serve as the president of Professional Developers of Iowa,” Landauer said in a news release. “Aligning the objective of PDI to be a premier organization and connecting our members to information will be priorities throughout the year. I appreciate having this opportunity and look forward to being connected to the members throughout the year.”
Kiana Johnson, Executive Director of O’Brien County Economic Development, is also a member of the PDI board.
Private pesticide applicator trainings
Private pesticide applicator continuing education meetings have been scheduled for December through early-April. These trainings will be held live and in-person. Individuals who choose to renew their private pesticide certification through annual continuing education should plan to attend one of these sessions.
In Iowa, private pesticide applicators can receive their initial three-year certification by passing a test offered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Once certified through testing, renewal can occur in two ways. Applicators can retest every three years to renew or attend a training session every year during that three-year time period.
Training sessions scheduled in this area follow.
• Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m. – Paullina Legion Hall, Paullina; Preregister to (712) 957-5045.
• Dec. 21, 1:30 p.m. – Presbyterian Church, Sibley; Preregister to (712) 754-3648.
• Jan. 4, 10 a.m. - Crop Advantage Series, Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon. Preregister online at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/cas/. You must attend all day to qualify.
• March 1, 1:30 p.m. – Primghar Community Center, Primghar; Preregister to (712) 957-5045.
• March 14, 7 p.m. – Presbyterian Church, Sibley; Preregister to (712) 754-3648.
• April 7, 7 p.m. - Northwest Iowa Community College, Building C, Room 328, Sheldon; Preregister to (712) 957-5045.
For additional information, contact your local ISU Extension and Outreach county office or Field Agronomist Joel DeJong at (712) 546-7835
