COVID-19 activity remains low in Easthampton and the surrounding areas. General risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is generally low.
There are, of course, still nuances in individual levels of risk. The two most important predictors of a severe outcome are vaccination status and age. Risk of severe outcome increases after age 60, more after age 70, and sharply after age 80. The greatest burden of risk continues to fall among those who are unvaccinated, and to some extent, those who are vaccinated but who haven't had the updated booster dose. Booster doses are still a good idea and should be readily available. Contact the health department if you're having difficulty finding an appointment. Getting a booster now won't block you from getting an annual COVID-19 vaccine this fall, as was named as the plan moving forward earlier this year.
Stay well,
Megan W. Harvey, PhD (she/her)
Epidemiologist
