JIC RELEASE NO. 1054 - Second Booster Dose Vaccination Clinics at Senior Citizens Centers Begin; Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS; COVID-19 Test Results: 22 New Cases, 3 Hospitalized; Second COVID-19 Booster Doses Available

Second Booster Dose Vaccination Clinics at Senior Citizens Centers Begins

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Division of Senior Citizens (DSC), in partnership with the Mayors’ Council of Guam, is now offering second doses of the COVID-19 booster to adults 50 years of age and older, or to individuals 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, at Senior Citizens Centers across the island. All eligible individuals are encouraged to get their second booster shots. Please see the schedule below:

Report Positive COVID-19 At-home Test Results to DPHSS

When performing at-home COVID-19 test kits, results must be reported to DPHSS at dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. 

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 Using the at-home test kit: 

1. You must report your result within 24 hours to dphss.surveillance@dphss.guam.gov. Please provide your:

• Full Name

• Date of Birth

• Date of Test

• Results

• You must isolate at home until cleared using the DPHSS Criteria for Discharging a Person from Isolation. Please refer to section G.

• Steps to take while in isolation:

1. Eat in a separate room or area; use a separate bedroom; use a separate bathroom. If sharing a bathroom, clean and disinfect after each use. 

2. Avoid sharing personal items – dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding or electronics (e.g., cellphone).

3. Wear a face mask.

4. Wash your hands often using soap and water, or hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces and items every day (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics)

If at-home test result is negative, but you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19:

1. You should get a confirmatory test as soon as possible to confirm your results

2. You should isolate until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

3. If you are symptomatic, advise your household members and other close contacts to stay home until you receive your confirmed laboratory test result.

4. If your confirmed laboratory test result is positive, DPHSS’ containment unit or your clinic will notify you of your positive laboratory result.

5. Close contacts should also get tested for COVID-19.

If at-home test result is negative and you have NO symptoms and have NOT been exposed to COVID-19: It is less likely that you have COVID-19. You may resume your daily activities while continuing to follow all public health advice.

COVID-19 Test Results: 22 New Cases Reported 

Today, DPHSS reported 22 new cases of COVID-19 from 945 specimens analyzed May 19, 2022. Five of the cases reported today are through the Department of Defense. To date, there have been a total of 48,688 officially reported cases, 361 deaths, 227 cases in active isolation, and 48,100 not in active isolation.

3 Hospitalized for COVID-19

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 2vaccinated people hospitalized for COVID-19. *Estimated population is based on DPHSS Immunization Program analysis of 2020 Census data. Updates are expected pending further Census 2020 data breakdown.

Second COVID-19 Booster Doses Available

Second doses of the COVID-19 booster are available to individuals ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Eligible individuals may choose to receive a second booster dose using an mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose.

Additionally, adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised and who received Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine as both their primary series dose and booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the Janssen booster dose. Adults ages 50 years and olderMond could benefit from a second mRNA booster dose as they are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. Adults 50 years and older may choose to receive a second booster dose, if it has been at least 4 months after the first booster dose.

Guam COVID-19 Vaccination Update

As of May 19, 2022, 136,604 eligible residents (5 years and older) are fully vaccinated. This total includes 13,986 residents 12 – 17 years old. 8,009 residents 5 – 11 years old received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech two dose series. 6,437 residents 5 – 11 years old have completed their two-dose series. 59,209 eligible residents have received their first booster shots. 4,645 eligible residents have received their second booster shots.