Health Promotion & Preparedness
COVID-19 Information
updated COVID-19 vaccine was released in September 2023. In February 2024, the CDC endorsed the recommendation for adults ages 65 years and older to receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose. The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in o...
COVID-19 at-home test kits are available at Wood County Health Department, located at 1840 East Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green. Stop in and pick up tests for yourself and your immediate family members at the Vital Statistics desk, the Health Center and the Environmental Health Department. Most pharmacies and...
COVID-19 - Latest Data
Wood County COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations
- There have been no hospitalizations due to COVID-19 reported so far in March. One hospitalization due to COVID-19 was reported in February.
- In January 2024 there were 5 hospitalizations due to COVID 19.
COVID-19 Call Center
For questions and reporting positive tests, call: 419-292-6100
Resources and Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has adopted streamlined recommendations for dealing with common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19. Use the resources below to understand symptoms, manage COVID at home, and help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
Could my symptoms be from COVID?
Do I need to get tested for COVID?
I tested positive for COVID. Now what?
Report Positive COVID Test Results
If you don't find the answer to your question, please contact our COVID-19 Call Center at 419-292-6100
Summary of Recent Changes (March 1, 2024)
All people ages 65 years and older should receive 1 additional dose of any updated (2023–2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech).
2023-2024 Updated COVID-19 Vaccine
On September 12, 2023, the CDC recommended a COVID-19 vaccine updated for 2023-2024. The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine can provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the U.S.
One dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 5 years and older to protect against serious illness. Information for those who are ages 6 months – 4 years and those who are immunocompromised, find additional guidance at: Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
Most people can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. The 2023-2024 COVID vaccine is available at many large chain pharmacies. People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state, local, tribal, or territorial health department; and pharmacies who participate in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines currently authorized for use in the U.S. are safe and effective. These vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.
- Hundreds of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given in the United States.
- Serious side effects are rare and are far outweighed by the risks from contracting COVID-19.
- According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 96 percent of doctors have been vaccinated.
Additional information about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines is available here: Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
Report Adverse Reactions
At-Home COVID Tests
Free COVID-19 at-home test kits are available at Wood County Health Department, located at 1840 East Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green. Stop in and pick up tests for yourself and your immediate family members at the Vital Statistics desk, the Health Center and the Environmental Health Department. Most pharmacies and retailers offer at home COVID tests for sale.
Can at-home COVID tests be used past the expiration date?
Generally at-home tests should not be used beyond the expiration date on the box. However, the expiration dates of some at-home COVID tests have been extended. You can check the website below to see if the expiration date on your test has been extended.
FDA Approved At-Home COVID Tests
On-site testing
On-site testing is available through most health care providers, urgent care centers and pharmacies. Check with your provider to make sure on-site tests are available. Private insurance companies are no longer required to cover COVID-19 tests without cost sharing, both for at-home and laboratory tests.
Treatment
Antiviral medications are available to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. Your health care provider can determine options that may be best for you based on your medical history.
People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults (ages 50 years or more, with risk increasing with older age), people who are unvaccinated and people with certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system. Being vaccinated makes you much less likely to get very sick. Still, some vaccinated people, especially those who have other risk factors for severe disease, may benefit from treatment if they get COVID-19.
Medications to treat COVID-19 must be started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild.
Use this treatment locator to find providers who offer treatments for COVID-19.
Test-to-Treat Program
The following pharmacies can offer on-site testing and treatment in one convenient location:
- Kroger Pharmacy #01600878, 1094 N. Main St. Bowling Green
- The Little Clinic: 419-373-6687
- Kroger Pharmacy #01600548, 27322 Carronade Dr. Perrysburg
- The Little Clinic: 567-336-4662
Schedule an Appt: https://www.kroger.com/health/clinic/schedule-appointment
Info: https://www.kroger.com/health/pharmacy/covid-19-treatment