NEW ULM — People age 12 and older are encouraged to get the new COVID-19 bivalent vaccine, which is now available to Brown County residents.

Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz told the County Board Tuesday the updated COVID-19 booster can help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination and provide broader protection against newer variants.

The new, updated — or bivalent — booster targets the most recent Omicron subvariants, BA 4 and BA 5, which are more contagious and resistent than earlier Omicron strains. Studies have found these variants are as contagious than the highly infectious measles virus.

The bivalent booster takes the place of the previous monovalent booster for anyone age 12 and older. The monovalent booster is no longer available.

Moritz said Brown County Public Health vaccine clinics will be moved from Monday to Tuesday as of Oct. 1.

In addition, Moritz said Brown County child COVID-19 cases have risen since school opened this fall.

Moritz said Brown County had 221 reported COVID-19 cases in July, 278 in August and 98 at last count in September.

“Globally, COVID-19 cases are stable. There is an uptick in Minnesota cases,” Moritz said.

She said Brown County residents age 65 and older with COVID-19 vaccination shots topped 90% for the first two COVID-19 shots, but percentages for those receiving more recent booster shots has fallen off in all age groups.

Moritz said county public health vaccinations are by appointment only and can be made in addition to completing a vaccine consent form at co.brown.mn.us. She added that vaccinations are available at medical facilities in New Ulm and Sleepy Eye.

Drug use report

Minnesota Department of Health recently released data describing drug overdose death trends. The data shows the south central region including Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca and Watonwan counties had the lowest overdose death rate.

“Public health will continue to work hard on chemical health prevention. Fentanyl (a potent opioid used as a pain medication), has really taken off in our region in the last year,” Moritz reported.

Moritz said the Chemical Health Action Team (CHAT) has a 2022 theme of “Celebrate life. Live drug free.”

The team will be a resource for schools with age group coloring contests. Prizes are to be determined. The contest will be shared in social media, schools, KNUJ and other media outlets with instructions on how and where to submit for the contest.

In addition, Moritz said New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Comfrey and Springfield have city social host ordinances.

Currently 147 Minnesota cities and 37 counties have alcohol social host ordinances (SHO). Nicollet, Blue Earth and Redwood counties have implemented a countywide SHO. Recently, three counties expanded SHOs to include marijuana.

CHAT is researching SHOs for alcohol and is actively recruiting members.

According to Brown County data, the City of Springfield shared that most of its underage consumption is not happening in city limits. Rather, it is occurring outside the city at various locations.

The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development is offering a free text messaging program supporting parents and caregivers of children birth to age 18 called “U Got This.” Messages in English and Spanish support families as they face many, varied daily parenting decisions.

For more information, visit health.state.mn.opioids.html and co.brown.mn.us.