MCHD Update: October 11, 2021
Community Partners,
So much is happening with increased COVID-19 cases. We need your help to be part of the solution. We have taken an approach that is as least restrictive as possible within the guidelines, with our focus on testing and vaccination (strategies that don’t close schools or businesses and get people back to work ASAP). Time will tell if this was the right decision or not, but the alternative would be to limit the spread through longer quarantines, gathering restrictions, and more closures. We know these cause great hardships for our community. Show your support for our proactive approach by helping us slow the spread and save lives with compassionate, compelling, reliable information and increased access to testing and vaccination.
If you have questions we haven’t answered or ideas on how we could partner or improve, we would love to hear from you. Call our office at 541-889-7279 or call me directly at 208-501-5966. We are only going to get through this surge in COVID-19 cases with neighbors helping neighbors. Each of us can make a difference by reaching out to people who are struggling or sick and encouraging one another. Please share the following updates and promote our key messages to combat misinformation and pessimism.
Updates:
COVID-19 Cases in Malheur County: Situation Update: Cases are not dropping in Malheur County over the past three weeks. We are still in a surge.
COVID-19 Booster Doses and Third Doses: A third dose of mRNA vaccine – either Pfizer or Moderna – is given to people who are immunocompromised and may not have experienced a strong immune response to their first doses. Third doses are to be given at least 28 days after the second dose. Booster doses are only available for the Pfizer vaccine at this time for people age 18+ who received their last Pfizer dose at least six months ago.
Free COVID-19 Testing & Vaccine Every Tues & Thurs in October: Fliers in English and Spanish attached.
Key messages:
Medical experts have found that the COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing COVID-19 associated hospitalizations and deaths. Experts urge every eligible person who hasn’t been vaccinated to get immunized against COVID-19 today and if you’re eligible for a booster, get one.
Pfizer boosters were recommended because evidence shows the immune response waned over time for some people. Decisions about boosters for Moderna and J&J are expected in coming weeks.
Information about Pfizer vaccine availability for ages 5-11 is expected in coming weeks.
CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people ages 12 and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future. FAQ here.
Get vaccinated against the flu ASAP. You can receive the flu vaccine the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine.
Our team is hard at work providing our clinic, home visiting, peer, vital record, and WIC services, as well as case investigating every COVID-19 case within a business day from the time we receive the information from the state reporting system. Our healthcare partners and schools are also working so hard. Looking around this community, we have survived too much to give up. Thank you for helping us stay safe and strong!
Warmly,
Sarah
Sarah Poe, Director
Malheur County Health Department
1108 SW 4th Street
Ontario, Oregon 97914
Office: 541-889-7279 x127
Mobile: 208-501-5966