COVID-19 levels in Bloomington wastewater are rising. Where can you get updated vaccines?

Bloomington, Indiana – The COVID-19 infection rate in wastewater data from Bloomington increased dramatically from the previous week due to a nationwide outbreak of diseases and the return of IU students to campus.

This surge seems to be the biggest in the previous two years. In Indiana, the number of hospitalizations and deaths from the disease has decreased despite an increase in infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that wastewater data can reveal the presence of circulating diseases even in cases when symptoms are not particularly noticeable, as per the dashboard maintained by the Indiana Department of Health. Similar increases in infections are seen in national wastewater data.

New vaccinations that more effectively combat the most recent COVID-19 strains are starting to make their way to Bloomington. Scientists believe that KP.3.1.1, the dominant variety at the moment, may be more contagious than more recent strains.

Executive Director Pete Grogg sent an email stating that the updated immunizations will be shipped to the IU Student Health Center in about a week.

Additionally, he urged students to use the Student Health Center’s facilities, “where you can be examined, tested, and treated in typically one visit,” and to maintain current vaccination records.
As of last year, the average cost of a COVID-19 test was $11. Additionally, a governmental initiative to send out testing kits is being revived. Beginning late next month, American homes will be able to order four complimentary kits.

According to a corporate representative, new immunizations should be arriving at CVS shops in Bloomington “within the next day or two.”

Nonetheless, the company’s automated speech system over the phone states that the updated immunizations are already available at the CVS outlets on the west side and South Walnut Street. Although walk-ins are accepted, the business advises customers to make appointments online or via the CVS app.

Updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations will be delivered to the south side of town’s Kroger Pharmacy on Tuesday and later this week. Next week, the downtown Bloomington Kroger Pharmacy anticipates receiving deliveries of the two updated immunizations.

Pharmacy technicians stated that the company’s online scheduler will provide information on current immunizations. They promoted in-person visits.

As of the time of writing, neither the Kroger by College Mall nor the Kroger outlets on the west and north sides of town had responded to inquiries about when they would receive the vaccinations. When new information becomes available, The Indiana Daily Student will update this article.