JIC RELEASE NO. 745 - DPHSS Expands COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Clinics; Update on Homebound Vaccination Requests

Guam COVID-19 vaccination update: As of August 6, a total of 104,216 or 76.46% of Guam’s eligible population (residents 12 years and older) have received either both doses in the two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna), or the single dose series (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) of the COVID-19 vaccine. This percentage includes 7,422 fully vaccinated residents between the ages of 12 – 17, as well as Guam's fully vaccinated adult population of 96,794.

UPDATE: Free COVID-19 Testing at Tiyan Next Week
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) will offer COVID-19 community testing beginning Monday, August 9 to Saturday, August 14 at the old carnival grounds in Tiyan, Barrigada from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Testing is free and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The community is reminded to monitor for symptoms and get tested if they are identified as close contacts to confirmed positive cases, or are experiencing any of the known COVID-19 symptoms which include, but are not limited to:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath 
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

This list is not exhaustive of all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been

reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

No symptoms are needed to qualify for testing. Bring a photo ID. Only four (4) people per vehicle are allowed to be tested. Results available onsite. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian and provide government-issued identification to validate age. The parent/legal guardian will also be required to sign a consent form on behalf of the minor to be tested for COVID-19. Testing for travel purposes will not be conducted at DPHSS drive-thru testing sites and must be scheduled with NRCHC by calling 671-635-7525/6. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule 
COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue at the locations and times below. At the Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo, COVID-19 vaccination is offered every Monday from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. and every Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. At the Southern Region Community Health Center in Inalåhan, COVID-19 vaccination is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday  from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bring a photo ID. Those due for their second dose are reminded to bring their COVID-19 immunization card. To view the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccination clinics, visit dphss.guam.gov/vaccinategu.

Special Requirements for Minors to Receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine:

• must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• must provide government-issued identification to validate minor’s age
• must provide minor’s birth certificate
• parent/legal guardian must have a government-issued ID. 
• guardians must present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney documents.

COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule for GovGuam Employees & Families
DPHSS will operate a vaccination clinic for Government of Guam employees and their families on Monday, August 9 and Tuesday, August10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Micronesia Mall, second floor above the Center Court. GovGuam employees are encouraged to set an appointment through tinyurl.com/CovidStopsWithMe. Please bring your employee ID. For those needing their second dose please bring your shot card.

Homebound Vaccination Requests
DPHSS and the University of Guam (UOG) Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (CEDDERS) have partnered to service all homebound requests. Individuals who would like to make a request for homebound COVID-19 vaccinations should call 311, option 2, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, to schedule an appointment. 

The community is reminded to remain vigilant:

• Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Watch your distance. 
• Get vaccinated. Tune into local media and the latest JIC releases for vaccine availability. 
• Stay home if you are sick, keep away from others who are sick.
• Keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others who are not in your household.
• Practice social distancing around elderly family members.
• Businesses and services may implement more stringent COVID-19 measures as they see fit, such as physical barriers, social distancing, and limited occupancy.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit dphss.guam.gov or guamrecovery.com. For inquiries on COVID-19, contact 311 through a local number, or call the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.