COVID-19

May 2023:

On May 11, the federal government declared the COVID-19 public health emergency to be over. In this light, the FCPH Board of Health has rescinded the Franklin County COVID-19 public health emergency.

What this means:

• • COVID-19 will no longer be a public health emergency and federal funding will end. COVID-19 tests, shots and treatments may cost money depending on the provider and insurance.
  • COVID-19 reporting will change, including ending weekly community levels updates.

This does NOT mean that COVID-19 is no longer in our communities. You should still remain up-to-date on vaccines, including boosters, and stay home and test if you are sick. Getting a COVID-19 shot is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and death.

FCPH is committed to providing services to Franklin County residents and will continue to offer FREE COVID-19 vaccines at our clinic.

For more information about the end of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration, click here.

April 2023:

The CDC made changes to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations:

• • Adults age 65 and older and immunocompromised people can get an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose.
  • Monovalent (original) COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the U.S.
  • The updated bivalent shot – which includes original and omicron protection – will be used, even for people receiving their first COVID-19 dose.