CDC recommends booster doses for immunocompromised people
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends booster doses for immunocompromised people who have received a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna.
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FDA panel endorses first antiviral treatment for COVID-19
Today, an expert panel of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsed the use of the Merck antiviral drug molnupiravir for treatment of symptomatic COVID-19 in test-confirmed patients with high risk conditions. The FDA has not yet authorized the treatment.
Oregon reaches another milestone administering COVID-19 vaccines
With the expansion of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 and the approval of booster doses to anyone 18 and older, Oregon recorded more than 6 million COVID-19 doses administered to people eligible for vaccination last week.
Who should be tested for COVID-19 and where to go for a free test
Testing is one of the best tools available in our multi-layered approach to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is critical to know if you have been infected after being exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of the virus so you can prevent spreading it to others.
Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?
You can protect yourself against all COVID-19 variants by getting vaccinated and getting a booster if you are eligible. Sites around the state are accommodating large numbers of people seeking vaccinations. These “high-volume” sites offer all three COVID-19 vaccines and are open to everyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination or booster. There is no cost and you do not need to register.
Much still unknown about the Omicron variant. Here’s what we know today.
The news of the Omicron variant emerging in several countries may cause many people anxiety about the unknown. The news comes on top of pandemic fatigue, as cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue, and as we continue to deal with nearly two year’s worth of disruptions to our daily lives.
If the holidays are hard: Resources for emotional and mental health
If you find it hard to fully enjoy the holidays, you are not alone. All of us are figuring out how to celebrate in ways that support our health, which is more than protecting against COVID-19. Here are some ways to support your mental and emotional health as you prepare for the holidays.
COVID-19 home tests and holiday gatherings
If you are worried about gathering with others who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, you may wonder about using COVID-19 home tests to find out whether you and people around you have current COVID-19 infection. While this is not currently recommended by the CDC, over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 testing kits are becoming more widely available.
OHA and ODE leaders discuss lifting outdoor mask mandate and launching Test to School program
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Pat Allen and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director Colt Gill were joined by State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger today to announce two new developments in the course of the pandemic: lifting outdoor mask mandates and launching the Test to Stay program in public and private schools.
Ways to enjoy the holiday season safely
It’s important to celebrate and be with people you care about during the holiday season. And because all adults and many children are now eligible for vaccination, safety guidance has loosened up a little since last year.