5/20/2022 COVID-19 Update

KDHE Identifies 26 New COVID-19 Cases in Riley County

(RILEY COUNTY, KS - May 20, 2022) The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recorded 26 new COVID-19 cases for Riley County between May 7-13. The Incidence Rate per 100,000 is 35.0, putting Riley County in the MODERATE incidence category which is 10 - 49 cases per 100,000 people.

There have been a total of 13,740 COVID-19 cases in Riley County as of May 18, 2022 according to the KDHE Case Summary. This total does not include any at-home test results.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is currently caring for 0 COVID-19 positive patients.

Pfizer Booster Doses for Children Ages 5-11

Earlier this week, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years of age. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance expanding eligibility for vaccine booster doses for this age group. The booster dose may now be given to children ages 5-11 if at least five months have passed since the previous dose. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for young children.

"Over 18 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered to children ages 5 to 11, so far," said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. "I encourage parents to keep their children up-to-date with all recommended vaccines and boosters to protect their health and safety. Summer is a great time to get caught up so kids are ready for school in the fall."

After a Pfizer vaccine dose, your child might notice pain at the injection site (upper arm), and could feel more tired than usual. Headache, achy muscles or joints, and even fever and chills are also possible. These side effects are usually temporary and generally clear up within 48 hours.

COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations are available at the Riley County Health Department Clinic, located at 2030 Tecumseh Road. Walk-ins are welcome or appointments are available by calling (785) 776-4779 ext.(785) 776-4779 ext. 7675.

Riley County Health Clinic Hours:

• Mon-Wed: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Thurs: noon - 6 p.m.
• Fri: 8:30 - 11 a.m.

A parent or legal guardian must be present for children under 18 years of age. COVID-19 vaccines are available at no charge.

Other immunizations such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV), and Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) will be billed to insurance or charged to the patient. The health department accepts most major health insurance (except Tricare Prime and Cigna). RCHD is not a free clinic, but those without health insurance will only pay $20 for the first vaccination and $18 for each additional vaccination. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and there is no charge for other vaccines for people with state Medicaid.

Next Update

KDHE has changed their update schedule to Wednesdays. The next update from Riley County will be published Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

Additional Information

Find a list of the required vaccinations for school and early childhood program attendance from KDHE.

Find more information about COVID-19 testing options in Kansas.

Find the KDHE Data Dashboard. For Riley County trends, scroll down the page or use the navigation tabs to locate specific data. The KDHE dashboard is updated each Friday by 12:30 p.m.

Find more information about COVID-19 from CDC.

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