COVID-19

FAST ACCESS TO TREATMENT

The state Department of Health launched a telehealth program to make it easier for eligible residents to quickly access antiviral medications for COVID-19. Antivirals must be taken within the first five days of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and testing positive. To access the telehealth program, visit this website or call 1-800-525-0127.

COVID-19 TESTING

For testing sites in Kitsap County, please visit https://www.kitsapgov.com/Pages/Kitsap-COVID-19-Test-Site.aspx.

At home PCR tests are free-or covered by insurance-for people with COVID symptoms (however mild) that have had an exposure to someone with the virus. More information can be found here.

Looking for a COVID test for travel? Requirements vary by location and carrier, and PCR tests with quick results typically cost $100-$250. One local option is Indigo Urgent Care; information about testing options at  opens in a new windowhttps://www.indigourgentcare.com/covid-test#6. Discovery Health has travel testing locations in Seattle and Tacoma  opens in a new windowhttps://discoveryhealthmd.com/. Tool to search other options here:  opens in a new windowhttps://booking.trustassure.app/

PCR, Antigen-what COVID test is best? Both are important:
A molecular test is usually performed using a technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which works by rapidly making millions to billions of copies of viral-related DNA. If there are even small amounts of this genetic material in the sample, it will be detected. Molecular/PCR tests are very sensitive and they are also very specific. A positive test is almost never wrong in determining that SARS-CoV-2 is present. Tests can be done on samples taken by nasal or throat swabs.
Antigen tests (like the Binax self-test) is much less sensitive than the molecular/PCR test. There needs to be more virus present before the test will turn positive. This means that an antigen test may sometimes be falsely negative, meaning a negative result cannot always be trusted. A positive test, suggesting that the virus is present, is usually reliable, although even here false positives are more likely than with a molecular/PCR test.

Antigen tests are useful when taken in conjunction with PCR tests. They are a good early indicator of whether COVID is present—but not a conclusive one.
Further guidance from the Yale Medicine at https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/which-covid-test-is-accurate.

SCHEDULE A VACCINE APPOINTMENT BY PHONE

City of Poulsbo COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line: (360) 394-9794
If you or someone you know is looking for a vaccination and are struggling with the online appointment system, City of Poulsbo staff are able to assist you. This is a recorded message line, please leave a message and a someone will contact you within 2 business days. We’re especially eager to help seniors without internet access and people with limited English skills. Residents of North Kitsap only, please.

Kitsap Public Health Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line: (360) 728-2219
Call takers assist people who do not have internet or need additional help registering for Public Health vaccine clinics. Be aware that they are receiving a high volume of vaccine inquiries and may not be able to respond immediately.

SCHEDULE A VACCINE APPOINTMENT ONLINE

VACCINATE WA https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/
This search engine will help you find vaccinations throughout Kitsap County and Washington state.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that children and adults get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19. Information here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0618-children-vaccine.html#:~:text=Parents%20and%20caregivers%20can%20now,%2D19%2C%20should%20get%20vaccinated.

State guidance on K-12 schools and childcare here: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/department-health-releases-updated-covid-19-guidance-k-12-schools-child-care?fbclid=IwAR2LYZKPWX8zZjbwzvVHLI4mRXNYHukTnNI7DQg0hOrtNxARVJvmKruMvjI

Looking for a 3rd or fourth dose of vaccine? The Centers for Disease Control recommends one for people 12 and older, and it’s especially important for seniors, people with certain underlying health conditions, and people who work in high risk positions (more details here  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html)

How are we doing? As of August 2022 , around 71% of Kitsap residents have completed their primary series of vaccination. Around 38% of our total population has been boosted.

What can you do to help? Reach out to friends, relatives, and neighbors having trouble finding a vaccine. Many local appointments are available (and volunteers can help find them at the City’s appointment assistance line (360) 394-9795). Free rides to vaccinations are being offered by Kitsap Transit. Call (360) 479-7272 for more information. Finally, sign up for public safety notifications through the City’s NIXLE system. Test POULSBO to 888777 and stay up to date on important local health (and other) information.