News & Stories for Oregonians
In response to a large jump in cases and hospitalizations and new national guidance calling for masking measures to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, OHA is now recommending universal mask use in public indoor settings throughout the state to protect Oregonians from COVID-19. “Today’s reported sharp rise in cases and hospitalizations in […]
There’s been talk in the news and online about the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant — what it is, where it has spread and whether it’s something to be concerned about. Here’s what you need to know. Delta variant defined The Delta variant is classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a “variant […]
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that reports to the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) indicate a small risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following receipt of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. About 100 preliminary reports of GBS have been filed with VAERS after the administration of 12.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine. The cases were largely […]
We continue to hear questions online about what the key differences between natural and vaccine-induced immunity are. To get some answers to those questions, we sat down with OHA Senior Health Advisor Dr. Shimi Sharief, who shared some insights on the topic. You can find a recording of the full interview, as well as a list of timestamped questions below. […]
If you’ve visited Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) COVID-19 website recently, you might have noticed a new banner draped across the top of each webpage you visit. The banner contains a number, followed by the statement “… more people 18+ need to get vaccinated for Oregon to reach 70% vaccinated statewide. Find vaccines here.” So, what […]
If you have lost or damaged your vaccination card, you can use your record of vaccination as proof. Here’s how to get your record (replacement CDC cards are not available). Check with your health care provider, or their website, for your immunization record. Follow the instructions on the OHA Immunization Resources page. It may take five days to get your […]
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 […]
On May 18, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released updated guidance for masking and physical distancing throughout the state. Significant changes to the guidance include the following: Fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to wear a mask indoors in public places where vaccination statuses of individuals are checked (masks will be required in areas […]
Some of you may be wondering if taking the COVID-19 vaccine can cause you to shed the virus that causes COVID-19. Health experts agree that people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine cannot shed or release any of the vaccine components. In addition, none of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States contain a live virus so shedding the virus is impossible. […]
So many of us are longing to do the things we may have taken for granted before COVID-19 disrupted our lives. Getting together with friends at a restaurant. Celebrating milestones with loved ones. Attending a sporting event. Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have given fully vaccinated folks the okay to […]
