12 and older : Oregon Health News Blog

Protect friends and communities by staying safe this Labor Day weekend 

Posted on September 3, 2021December 9, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

For many people, Labor Day is a final opportunity to celebrate summer. Barbecues, gatherings with our friends, and last chance summer travels fill our plans. Once again, the COVID-19 pandemic means this holiday weekend will need to look different.   You may have already made plans for the Labor Day weekend before Oregon saw cases and hospitalizations surge. If your plans involve outdoor large gatherings or indoor activities that put you and others at risk […]

Kids back in school? Make an appointment for routine vaccinations

Posted on August 31, 2021December 10, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

Most kids in Oregon are either back in school already or will be soon. This is a great time to make sure your child is up-to-date on their routine immunizations. In Oregon, children are required to receive certain childhood vaccines in order to attend school. Talk with your child’s health care provider about what vaccines your child needs to stay healthy this […]

Governor Brown, OHA leadership discuss hospital crisis, vaccination requirements

Posted on August 19, 2021August 19, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

Today, Governor Kate Brown announced new vaccination requirements for Oregon health care and K–12 staff during a press conference. Here’s what you need to know. Hospitals close to reaching capacity The requirements come during an alarming increase in hospitalizations. “With over 845 Oregonians hospitalized for COVID-19 and 226 in ICUs, our hospital and ICU beds […]

School-Based Health Centers and vaccinations

Posted on August 10, 2021December 10, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are a vital community tool for supporting young people’s health and well-being. Located in schools or on school grounds, these clinics provide medical care, behavioral health services and, often, dental services to school-aged youth. Oregon has over 75 SBHCs across the state which makes them easily accessible for many families. Besides easy access, SBHCs offer services to all students in a youth-centered […]

Make a plan to vaccinate your student in time for school

Posted on July 30, 2021January 7, 2022 by ohacovidblogger

If you are preparing to send your child back to the classroom this fall, you may have questions about vaccinating them against COVID-19. It’s OK to have questions. Reliable sources of information include the CDC, the FDA and OHA’s website. For personal questions, your health care provider is your best source for you and your family. They have firsthand knowledge of the vaccine, how it works and what […]

COVID-19 can affect anyone

Posted on June 3, 2021December 9, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

There’s a rumor that COVID-19 only has serious consequences for older individuals. Since April 3, however, nationwide data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have indicated that people ages 18–49 have made up a greater proportion of COVID-19 associated hospitalizations than people ages 65 and older. For the week ending on May […]

With vaccination, people 12 and older can safely return to more summer activities

Posted on June 1, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

Last summer was difficult for most of us, but COVID-19 uniquely impacted younger people. At an age where kids often explore independence and build new relationships, last year they were asked to stay home, stay physically distant, meet up over screens and wear face coverings. While these things were necessary to reduce the spread of […]

Benton County makes sure ‘every shot counts’ with teen clinics

Posted on May 27, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

A teen-focused vaccination event in Benton County last week led to hundreds of teens getting vaccinated. Almost 500 people age 12 to 15 received a shot with hundreds of older teens rolling up their sleeves as well.  “Teen Day” took place at Reser Stadium, Benton County’s mass vaccination site and at a pop-up clinic at a nearby high school for students who may have encountered difficulty accessing the vaccination clinic at Reser Stadium.  “We performed outreach to […]

COVID-19 vaccine a game changer for youth

Posted on May 20, 2021 by ohacovidblogger

When Paul Carson learned that people 12 and older can receive Pfizer’s authorized COVID-19 vaccine, he couldn’t wait to make an appointment for his son Anthony, pictured at left. Anthony, who is 12 years old, has Down syndrome, which puts him at much higher risk for severe complications from COVID-19. Paul was able to schedule […]