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.

Oregon accelerates its vaccination timeline

Today OHA announced that Oregon’s vaccine eligibility timeline is being moved up. On April 5, Group 7 will be eligible for vaccination. That includes frontline workers, people ages 16 to 44 with underlying conditions and people living in multigenerational homes. (See the linked infographic for definitions of frontline workers and underlying conditions.) In more good news, the general population […]

Vaccine Voices: Ronnie Herndon

Ronnie Herndon gets things done. The Portland civil rights activist is known for community engagement, especially when it comes to educational opportunities. From leading the effort to keep Harriet Tubman Middle School open to serving as teacher at Albina Youth Opportunity School, Herndon’s dedication to his community is evident. Herndon demonstrated that dedication once again […]

Vaccine Voices: Community health nurse shares her why

“To protect my family, patients, and people around me” was why Joanna De Matias got her vaccine at her clinic along with her coworkers. The only side effect she felt was a sore arm an hour after getting the shot. She said, “I feel great otherwise!” Ms. De Matias shared: “I’m a community health nurse […]

Vaccine Voices: Every vaccine is another step toward herd immunity

Liam Russell is 16 years old and a junior at Corvallis High School. He uses a power wheelchair for mobility and likes to read, draw, hang out with his friends and to go out to eat good food. He’s been doing distance learning since March of last year. Liam and his parents will get their […]

Vaccine Voices: Former Oregon State Sen. Margaret Carter

At today’s news conference Governor Brown shared a video of former state Sen. Margaret Carter receiving her vaccine earlier this morning. Before taking the vaccine, Sen. Carter said, “One of the reasons I’m so ready is I want our community to know I am taking this shot and it’s safe and even though we have […]

Vaccine Voices: ‘As a person with a disability, I felt very fortunate’

Daniel Alrick had some pain in his arm after his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine but, he says, it was “no worse than a flu shot.” “As a person with a disability, I felt very fortunate,” he says. “Everything was arranged; the only thing we were responsible for was transportation.” He managed to carpool […]

Vaccine Voices: Marta Guembes Herrera

As a longtime community health worker, Honorary Vice Consul and Consul of Guatemala for more than 20 years, a leader and advocate in the Portland Metropolitan area, Marta Guembes Herrera has worn many hats. Guembes Herrera has called Portland her home for 30 years and raised her children here. She is passionate about humanitarian rights […]

A conversation with Bill Deiz: Three cheers for the vaccine

Longtime Portlander Bill Deiz shared his thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccine and the impact of the pandemic with Coronavirus Update (CVU). Deiz, well-known for his career in local TV and radio, is active in Oregon’s community, most recently as a former chair of the Oregon Commission on Voluntary Action and Service and as a member […]