by Washoe County | May 11, 2023 | Press Release
May 11, 2023. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – COVID-19 testing and vaccines remain available through the Washoe County Health District despite the end of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration on May 11, 2023.
Many of the same services and information updates will continue to be available, including:
“As the emergency declaration ends, the Health District’s commitment to the community remains,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer in Washoe County. “We are thankful that vaccines are in place to reduce the risk of serious impact from COVID-19 and that treatments are available if someone becomes ill. We encourage those who are eligible to get the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine as soon as possible.”
“I’m proud of the work the Health District staff and community partners have done during the COVID-19 response. I hope this was a once-in-a-lifetime situation, but it’s good to know that our community can step up in ways previously unimaginable in a time of need, and for that I’m very grateful.”
Since March 2020, the Health District has devoted considerable resources to the COVID-19 response and served the community in many ways, including:
- Vaccines administered by WCHD: 219,387
- 187,713 – Vaccines administered at Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
- 19,941 – At Community Vaccine Events
- That includes 228 total events at 84 different locations
- 6,608 – To homebound residents
- 5,575 – At the Health District clinic
- COVID-19 cases investigated: 103,011
- COVID-19 cases interviewed: 70,615
- Number of interviewed COVID cases who opted-in to a call from the Nevada Resilience Project’s ambassador program: 39,300
- Calls taken by COVID-19 Call Center: 129,689
- 2020 – 30,558
- 2021 – 75,254
- 2022 – 22,726
- 2023 – 1,151
- COVID-19 tests administered: 100,762
- 2020 – 61,725
- 2021 – 31,048
- 2022 – 7,896
- 2023 – 93
- Homebound COVID-19 tests administered: 1,369
- 2020: 214
- 2021: 429
- 2022: 461
- 2023: 265
- Press releases distributed (including daily updates): 545
- 160 – Media briefings held
- 2,923,924 – Total pageviews on COVID19Washoe.com
- 5,000+ – Followers on the COVID19Washoe Twitter account
- 30,000+ – Subscribers to the COVID-19 Washoe Newsletter
Tragically, 1,341 Washoe County residents have died due to COVID-19; however, Washoe County’s confirmed COVID-19 death rate of 270 per 100,000 population is significantly lower than Nevada’s confirmed COVID-19 death rate of 373 per 100,000 population, and the national COVID-19 confirmed death rate of 341 per 100,000 population.
More information on COVID-19 in Washoe County can be found here.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here
by Washoe County | Oct 19, 2022 | Press Release
Reno, Sparks, Nev., Oct. 19, 2022. Children aged 5 years and older are eligible for the updated COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster that fights against common COVID-19 omicron variants, and opportunities are available community-wide to receive it.
The updated booster, known as a bivalent vaccine, was authorized for children aged 5-11 last week by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help protect against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron variants. Those variants are still causing most cases of COVID-19 and are predicted to continue to circulate this fall and winter. The Pfizer version of the booster is for those 5 years and older while the Moderna version is for those 6 years and older.
The Health District is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, from 4-6 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (4590 S. Virginia St., Reno) that will have the Moderna updated bivalent booster for all residents 6 years and older. Schedule an appointment here – very few walk-ins will be permitted.
Most pharmacies in Washoe County also have COVID-19 booster options for children 5 and older and appointments can be made by going to www.vaccines.gov.
The Health District also has appointments available to receive the updated booster at its clinic at 1001 E. 9th St., Building B, in Reno. Call 775-328-2427 to make an appointment. The Health District’s community vaccine events and clinic operations offer both boosters and primary series doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Those who have already received a COVID-19 booster, as well as those who have completed their primary series doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, are eligible as long certain age requirements are met and it has been at least two months since the last dose.
See this form to determine if you’re eligible to get a booster and when.
Eligibility of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster
- For the Pfizer bivalent booster, those 5 and older are eligible if it has been two months since you received the primary vaccine series, or two months since receiving the original COVID-19 booster, known as a “monovalent” vaccine.
- Note: The first authorized COVID-19 vaccine, which launched in December 2020 and has been administered to millions of people, and booster is known as a monovalent vaccine because its protection was based on only the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is designed to provide better protection against both the original strain and the BA. 4 and BA. 5 omicron variants.
- For the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster, those 6 years of age and older are eligible if it has been two months since you received the primary vaccine series or two months since receiving the original COVID-19 booster, known as a “monovalent” vaccine.
- Fill out this interactive form to determine booster eligibility here
The Pfizer vaccine was previously authorized for use in people 12 years and older, and the Moderna vaccine was previously authorized for adults.
Locations to get an updated COVID-19 booster
The Washoe County Health District will offer the Pfizer vaccine on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at its main clinic as well as Moderna on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also vaccine opportunities at its community vaccine events:
Other opportunities:
- Community Health Alliance has appointments available for the bivalent COVID-19 booster, as well as the monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. Go here for appointments.
- vaccines.gov has appointments at pharmacies and other providers in Washoe County and beyond.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center is available weekly. Schedule an appointment here.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
by Washoe County | Sep 7, 2022 | Press Release
UPDATED: Dec. 9, 2022: The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention expanded eligibility for the bivalent COVID-19 booster for ages 6 months and older (third dose only). Learn more here.
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Reno, Sparks, Nev., Sept. 7, 2022. The updated COVID-19 vaccine booster that fights against common COVID-19 omicron variants is available this week in Washoe County at select pharmacies, the Washoe County Health District and other community providers.
The updated booster, known as a bivalent vaccine, was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week to help protect against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron variants. Those variants are currently causing most cases of COVID-19 and are predicted to continue to circulate this fall and winter.
Those who have already received a COVID-19 booster, as well as those who have completed their primary series doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, are eligible as long certain age requirements are met and it has been at least two months since the last dose.
See this form to determine if you’re eligible to get a booster and when.
The Health District is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S Virginia St., Reno (not the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center), that will have the updated bivalent booster for residents. Schedule an appointment here, but note that the option for the updated booster might not be apparent on the website but it will be offered at the event.
The Health District also has appointments available starting Thursday to receive the updated booster at its clinic at 1001 E. 9th St., Building B, in Reno. Call 775-328-2427 to make an appointment. The Health District’s community vaccine events and clinic operations offer both boosters and primary series doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Eligibility of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster
- For the Pfizer bivalent booster, those 12 and older are eligible if it has been two months since you received the primary vaccine series, or two months since receiving the original COVID-19 booster, known as the “monovalent.”
- Note: The first authorized COVID-19 vaccine, which launched in December 2020 and has been administered to millions of people, and booster is known as a monovalent vaccine because it protected against only the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine protects against both the original strain and the BA. 4 and BA. 5 omicron variants.
- Those aged 5-11 years can still receive the Pfizer monovalent COVID-19 booster.
- For the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster, those 18 years of age and older are eligible if it has been two months since you received the primary vaccine series or two months since receiving a monovalent COVID-19 booster.
- For those aged 12-17 years who received a Moderna monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series, you can receive a Pfizer bivalent booster.
- Fill out this interactive form to determine booster eligibility here
Locations to get an updated COVID-19 booster
The Washoe County Health District will offer the Pfizer vaccine on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at its main clinic as well as Moderna on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also vaccine opportunities at its community vaccine events:
Other opportunities:
- Community Health Alliance has appointments available for the bivalent COVID-19 booster, as well as the monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. Go here for appointments.
- vaccines.gov/ has appointments at pharmacies and other providers in Washoe County and beyond.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center is available weekly. Schedule an appointment here.
by Washoe County | Jun 30, 2022 | Press Release
Reno, Sparks, Nev. June 30, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed Washoe County as having a “High” community level for COVID-19 and recommends that people wear masks when in public indoor places and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
People who have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should get tested. Aside from seeking medical care, people who are sick should stay home and isolated from others in their household.
For further recommendations from the CDC, go here. The increase in community level from “Medium” to “High” is a result of 12.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the past seven days, which exceeds 10 hospitalizations per 100,000 according to the CDC.
According to the Washoe County COVID-19 dashboard, the 7-day moving average for new COVID-19 cases is at 202.29 per day. The Nevada Hospital Association reported today that 48 people hospitalized in Washoe County are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.
Those who are at higher risk for severe illness may need to take additional precautions. This can include having a plan for rapid testing if needed and talking to your health care provider about options for treatments with oral antivirals and monoclonal antibodies. If you have tested positive in recent days, please call the Nevada Treatment and Therapeutic Services 1-800-401-0946 or visit the website here https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/find-treatment/ to see if you are eligible for any treatment options.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measures COVID-19 community levels using a combination of three metrics. These include new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 population in the past seven days, the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and the total new COVID-19 patients per 100,000 population in the past 7 days.
The Washoe County Health District has COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments for anyone 6 months or older in its clinic Monday – Friday at 1001 E. 9th St. in Reno, and nurses that can come to your residence if you are homebound. Call 775-328-2427 for appointments.
You can also find vaccines at local pharmacies by going to www.vaccines.gov or find community vaccine events here.
The COVID-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19 community updates in a unified manner. While press releases are only sent periodically for significant events, you can always get daily results on our website, https://covid19washoe.com/, our COVID-19 Dashboard or by following us on Twitter @COVID19Washoe. The entities include: City of Reno, City of Sparks, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Regional Transportation Commission, REMSA Health, Reno Sparks Indian Colony, Reno Police Department, Reno Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, University of Nevada, Reno, Washoe County, Washoe County Health District, Washoe County School District and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Also in the group are Community Health Alliance and the area hospitals, Northern Nevada Medical Center, Renown Health and Saint Mary’s.
by Washoe County | Jun 21, 2022 | Press Release
Reno, Sparks, Nev. June 21, 2022. The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) will begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 6 months of age and older starting Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at its main clinic at 1001 E. 9th St., Building B in Reno.
To schedule an appointment, call 775-328-2427. Walk-ins will be allowed if space allows but appointments are recommended. The Health District received a shipment of Pfizer on Monday and Moderna on Tuesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months-4 years of age. That means that anyone 6 months of age and older are now eligible for both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
The Health District recommends residents also reach out to pediatricians, primary care physicians and pharmacies about administering the COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months-4 years of age as WCHD received a limited supply.
“We’re excited to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 6 months of age and older,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “We would strongly encourage parents with children to talk with their doctors about the importance of getting their child vaccinated to provide an extra layer of protection from this disease.”
How to get your child vaccinated
- Contact your primary care physician or pediatrician to see if they are administering the COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months-4 years of age.
- Call 775-328-2427 to schedule an appointment with the Washoe County Health District at its clinic location – 1001 E. 9th St., Building B (there is no drive-through option for vaccines at this time). Appointments are limited. The Health District clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Updates to vaccines.gov are expected to happen this week to allow searching for COVID-19 vaccines for those under 5.
- CVS said it will administer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to those 18 months and older – More info here.
- Walgreens will provide Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to those 3 years and older – more info here.
- Walmart plans to provide COVID-19 vaccines to those 3 years and older – more info here.
- WCHD will partner with Renown Health to host a clinic to provide the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to those 6 months-5 years of age on Saturday, June 25, 9-11:30 a.m., at the Renown Medical Group – North Los Altos location (1525 Los Altos Pkwy, Sparks). Appointments required. Only the Moderna vaccine will be available. Schedule an appointment here.
Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine – The Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 6 months to 4 years old and is a three-dose series – the first two doses are three weeks apart followed by the third dose at least eight weeks after the second dose. The Pfizer doses are 3 micrograms, which is 1/10th the level of what adults receive. The three doses were about 75-82 percent effective at preventing mild illness from the Omicron variant in those 6 months-4 years old according to the FDA, though that data is preliminary.
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine – The Moderna vaccine is for those 6 months to 5 years old and is a two-dose series, one month apart. The Moderna doses are 25 micrograms, which is 1/4th the level of what adults receive. The Moderna vaccine was about 51 percent effective in preventing mild illness from the Omicron variant for kids 6 months-2 years old and 37 percent for those 2-5 years; protection from severe illness, though, was much higher.
Safety, side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine for those 6 months to 4 years old
The FDA and CDC took into consideration the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines first and foremost followed by effectiveness. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and will continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.
The FDA, prior to making the decision to authorize these vaccines for the respective pediatric populations, had its independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee evaluate the vaccines for the under 5 age group and it voted in support of the authorizations.
In terms of side effects with the Pfizer vaccine, the FDA reported commonly pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fever and underarm (or groin) swelling/tenderness of lymph nodes in the same arm (or thigh) as the injection. For the Moderna vaccine, the FDA said the most commonly reported side effects in clinical trial participants 6 through 23 months of age who received the vaccine were irritability, decreased appetite, fever and pain, tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site. These side effects were also reported for the vaccine recipients 2 through 4 years age, who also experienced headaches and chills.
Both the FDA and CDC said the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks. More safety info can be found here.
COVID-19 community events and appointments for just 5 years and older
- Thursday, June 23, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S Virginia St, Reno, 3:30-6 p.m. – Appointments here
- Friday, June 24, Food Truck Friday, Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, 4:30-6:30 p.m. – Appointments here
- Saturday, June 25, Mexican Consulate Day at Neil Road, 3925 Neil Road, Reno, 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m. – Appointments here
- Thursday, June 30, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S Virginia St, Reno, 3:30-6 p.m. – Appointments here
The Washoe County Health District has COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments for anyone 6 months or older in its clinic Monday – Friday at 1001 E. 9th St. in Reno, and nurses that can come to your residence if you are homebound. Call 775-328-2427 for appointments.
You can also find vaccines at local pharmacies by going to www.vaccines.gov.
The COVID-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19 community updates in a unified manner. While press releases are only sent periodically for significant events, you can always get daily results on our website, https://covid19washoe.com/, our COVID-19 Dashboard or by following us on Twitter @COVID19Washoe. The entities include: City of Reno, City of Sparks, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Regional Transportation Commission, REMSA Health, Reno Sparks Indian Colony, Reno Police Department, Reno Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, University of Nevada, Reno, Washoe County, Washoe County Health District, Washoe County School District and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Also in the group are Community Health Alliance and the area hospitals, Northern Nevada Medical Center, Renown Health and Saint Mary’s.
by Washoe County | Jun 3, 2022 | Press Release
Reno, Sparks, Nev. June 3, 2022. COVID-19 cases are continuing to increase in Washoe County and the CDC has raised the Washoe County Community Level to Medium.
Recommendations for a Community Level of Medium are:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
- Wear a mask on public transportation. Consider wearing a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.
- Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.
- If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact and consider wearing a mask when indoors with them.
Changes coming for COVID-19 testing at Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
Starting June 6, there will be a couple of changes to the COVID-19 drive-through testing operations at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC).
Due to the Reno Rodeo in June, the testing entrance will be moved to 9th Street as there will no longer be access from the Wells Avenue or Sutro Street entrances. There will be signage throughout the area to guide people seeking testing to the correct entrance.
View the entrance map here
COVID-19 testing hours of operation will also be changing to 8-10 a.m., with the last appointment slot at 9:45 a.m. Testing capacity will remain the same.
COVID-19 testing at the RSLEC is available weekly Monday, Wednesday and Friday for residents who have COVID-19 symptoms, are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case or have recently returned from international travel. Appointments can be scheduled online at this link or residents can also call 775-328-2427.
Other testing opportunities available at https://www.nvcovidfighter.org/find-test.
COVID-19 vaccines for those 6 months and older
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to meet June 15, 2022 to determine if children aged 6 months to 4 years will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to provide a recommendation on eligibility for that age group soon after.
The White House announced that doses for the 6 month-4-year-old vaccine will be shipped after FDA authorization.
The Washoe County Health District and other vaccine providers in the community will announce when those 6 months-4 years can get the vaccine if it is approved by the FDA and recommendations provided by CDC.
Get COVID-19 alerts to your email by signing up here.
COVID-19 community events and appointments
- Sunday, June 5, John’s Church, 1070 W. Plumb Lane, Reno, 8:30-10:30 a.m. – Appointments here
- Thursday, June 9, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S Virginia St, Reno, 3:30-6 p.m. – Appointments here
- Friday, June 10, Food Truck Friday, Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, 4:30-7 p.m. – Appointments here
- Friday, June 14, Boys and Girls Club, 2680 E 9th St, Reno, 4-6:30 p.m. – Appointments here
- Thursday, June 16, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S Virginia St, Reno, 3:30-6 p.m. – Appointments here
- Friday, June 17, Food Truck Friday, Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, 4:30-7 p.m. – Appointments here
The Washoe County Health District has COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments in its clinic Monday – Friday at 1001 E. 9th St. in Reno, and nurses that can come to your residence if you are homebound. Call 775-328-2427 for appointments.
You can also find vaccines at local pharmacies by going to www.vaccines.gov.
The COVID-19 Regional Information Center is working together to deliver COVID-19 community updates in a unified manner. While press releases are only sent periodically for significant events, you can always get daily results on our website, https://covid19washoe.com/, our COVID-19 Dashboard or by following us on Twitter @COVID19Washoe. The entities include: City of Reno, City of Sparks, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Regional Transportation Commission, REMSA Health, Reno Sparks Indian Colony, Reno Police Department, Reno Fire Department, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, University of Nevada, Reno, Washoe County, Washoe County Health District, Washoe County School District and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Also in the group are Community Health Alliance and the area hospitals, Northern Nevada Medical Center, Renown Health and Saint Mary’s.
