JIC RELEASE NO. 1081 - COVID-19 Test Results: 181 New Cases, 15 Hospitalized; COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Available at DPHSS CHCs; Additional COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Test Results: 181 New Cases Reported

Today, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported 181 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,178 specimens collected June 28, 2022. 19 of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 51,769 officially reported cases, 371 deaths, 630 cases in active isolation, and 50,768 not in active isolation.

15 Hospitalized for COVID-19

SPECIAL NOTE: Based on today's data, if we were to compare two (2) hypothetical populations of 100,000 people each, vaccinated versus unvaccinated, there would be 9 vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to 20 unvaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 is about 2 times higher for the unvaccinated as compared to the vaccinated. *Estimated population is based on DPHSS Immunization Program analysis of 2020 Census data. Updates are expected pending further Census 2020 data breakdown.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Available at DPHSS CHCs

On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for use in children down to six months of age.

In most children, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through five years will be a two-dose primary series with four to eight weeks between dose one and dose two. In most children, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six months through four years will be a three-dose primary series three to eight weeks between dose one and dose two, and at least eight weeks between dose two and dose three.

COVID-19 vaccination for individuals ages six months and older are available at the DPHSS Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo, and the DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center in Inalåhan.

Requirements for minors to receive the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine:

• Parent/legal guardian must provide minor’s birth certificate

• Parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued photo identification

• Minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

• Guardians must present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney documents

Incentives Offered for COVID-19 Vaccination Series Completion and Boosters

A program administered by the government of Guam is providing incentives to individuals 12 years of age and older who maintain their COVID-19 vaccinations who are:

• Completing their last dose in primary series; OR

• Receiving 1st Booster Dose OR 2nd Booster Dose

Eligible residents may choose between IP&E gift certificates for $25 gas at Shell Gas Stations OR $25 at Shell Foody’s Guam stores (alcohol and tobacco items excluded) while supplies last. Gift certificates will only be offered at vaccination clinics at NRCHC, SRCHC, the Agana Shopping Center, and senior citizen outreach clinics, while supplies last. 

COVID-19 Therapeutic Paxlovid

Earlier this year, DPHSS issued a standing order for a COVID-19 therapeutic called Paxlovid. Paxlovid was given emergency use authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of COVID-19. Treatment is indicated for recently diagnosed COVID-19 patients with mild-moderate symptoms. If you have symptoms or test positive, ask your health care provider within five days of your first symptoms. Prescribing providers are advised to document SARS-CoV-2 viral test (lab-based antigen or PCR), and symptoms of COVID-19 for ≤5 days. Read the standing order for paxlovid HERE.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of June 28, 2022, 137,199 eligible residents (6 months and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 14,386 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,512 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of a two dose series. 7,112 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. Nine residents 6 months – 4 years old have received their first dose of a two dose series. 62,189 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 8,416 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.