The number of coronavirus patients in Los Angeles County hospitals increased by 62 to 889, with 102 in intensive care, up one from the previous day, according to the latest state data released Saturday.
“An important part of Public Health's work is to partner with health care providers to make it as easy as possible to access these free medications for those that need them,'' Ferrer said in a statement. ``These medications are all currently available for free, whether you have insurance or not. Note that in some cases, healthcare providers may charge for their medical assessment.
“Anyone with COVID who has risk factors for severe disease is encouraged to always consult with their own primary healthcare provider first, if you have one. Your own healthcare provider will always know your health best. If you don't have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1.” The county this week expanded the availability of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to everyone aged 12 and over, the public health officer said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an emergency use authorization last week for the vaccine in people aged 12-17, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed off this week.
Novavax is also a two-shot regimen, with the doses administered three to eight weeks apart. Booster shots are not currently recommended for those who receive the Novavax vaccine.