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False negative test results for COVID-19 are common, unfortunately. There are a couple reasons for this: Either the test wasn’t done correctly or there weren’t enough viral particles in the tested area (nose or throat). Experts say that if you have any COVID-19-like symptoms, you should stay home and away from people as much as you can, regardless of whether you were exposed.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is available starting today, July 28, at Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) three high-volume vaccination clinics in Beaverton (Tektronix), Wood Village (Multnomah Greyhound Park) and Eugene (Valley River Center). See our blog for location details.
Supply is limited, and availability of the Novavax vaccine is not guaranteed upon arrival. In the coming days and weeks, check Get Vaccinated Oregon to search for other locations around Oregon that may have Novavax in stock.
Join Oregon Health Authority (OHA) this Friday, July 29, for a free webinar – in English and Spanish – to learn about COVID-19 treatments. A panel of community leaders and health care professionals will discuss topics such as the status of COVID-19 in Oregon, who can get COVID-19 treatment (monoclonal antibodies or oral antivirals) and how to find treatment if you need it.
- English language webinar: Friday, July 29, noon – 1 p.m.
- Spanish language webinar: Friday, July 29, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The panel will also answer audience questions, which you can submit ahead of time. Submit questions by emailing OHA.therapeutics@dhsoha.state.or.us or post your questions in the chat box during the live Zoom event. An ASL interpreter will be present. Both webinars will be recorded and posted to the OHA site here.
We want to remind you that starting next week, OHA will publish this newsletter once a week, on Thursdays.
Many of you have been loyal subscribers for more than two years, from the first days of the pandemic when the newsletter went out seven days a week. Many of you are newer subscribers who have joined us just in the past six months. To all of you we say, “Thank You!” Thank you for reading, thank you for participating in surveys and thank you for sharing your stories and questions.
As the pandemic has shifted, we’ve shifted, too. Our goal has always been, and continues to be, to provide you with COVID-19 news and information that empowers you to stay safe and healthy. As you may have noticed, we’ve also begun to share news and information about health topics other than COVID-19. That trend will continue, and please continue to share your questions and stories, too!
For daily health news and information, consider following us on Facebook and Twitter. And remember, you’ll still be able to find the latest data on COVID-19 in Oregon on our data dashboards.
Thanks, again. We look forward to continuing to support your health with news and information.
The COVID-19 Biweekly Data Report, released yesterday, shows an increase in COVID-19-related hospitalizations and a slight decrease in deaths. OHA reported 18,598 new cases of COVID-19 from July 10 to July 23, a 13.3% decline from the previous biweekly total of 21,452.
During the two-week period of July 10 to July 23, test positivity was 13.8%, down from 15.1% in the previous two-week period.
OHA's COVID-19 Biweekly Outbreak Report, also released yesterday, shows 223 active outbreaks in care facilities, senior living communities and congregate care living settings with three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases or one or more COVID-19-related deaths.
Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA senior health advisor and medical director, communicable diseases and immunizations program, answered today’s questions. We’ll continue to answer your questions on COVID-19 topics in upcoming newsletters.
Q: Does an indoor air filtration system with the kind of filter that catches the smallest particles provide protection against COVID-19 transmission? – Marion, Eugene
A: “Yes, if the system is sufficient to cover the required indoor space, and it has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, it should help prevent COVID-19 transmission.”
Q: My 2-year-old has his first shot, and we're looking forward to when he has his second shot and gets that boost of protection against COVID-19. We're also seeing OHA report a rise in breakthrough/reinfection cases since Omicron is far more contagious and resistant to vaccine- or infection-induced immunity. We've worked to keep our child safe from COVID-19 - especially since so much is unknown about long COVID - and our concern is that even with the vaccine, he'll be at risk for long-term side effects when he catches it. It may be too soon to know, but what is the data around long COVID in relation to breakthrough cases? And would that data be reflected in pediatric breakthrough cases? – Christine, Salem
A: “The virus is changing all the time, so I can’t answer your questions with certainty. But earlier data suggested that vaccination reduced the likelihood of “long COVID” in persons who contracted COVID-19. A recent study found that long COVID was less frequent after infection by the Omicron variant than after infection by the Delta variant. BA.4 and BA.5 are indeed subvariants of Omicron, but the caveat is that this study was done during December 2021–March 2022—before BA.4 and BA.5 were prevalent.”
Q: What is the status of Evusheld boosters? After the initial shots do we need a booster? – Ralph, Newport
A: “The short answer is yes. After your initial Evusheld shots, which includes a pair of shots given at the same time, you should receive the same pair of shots six months later, and again every six months after that as long as COVID-19 is circulating and the FDA authorization remains in effect.
Evusheld is a combination of two relatively long-lasting antibodies given (separately) at the same time to prevent COVID-19. The FDA has authorized its use in non-infected persons age 12 and older and weighing at least 40 kilograms (roughly 88 lbs.) who have moderate to severe immune compromise; or for whom vaccination with any available COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended due to a history of severe adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine component.”
If you have questions about topics related to COVID-19, submit your question here. While we are unable to answer every question, we try to address questions of interest to a broad audience. Please understand we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
 
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