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In this issue:
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Here is the truth: COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are safe, and they work. They are highly effective at helping prevent hospitalizations and severe COVID-19 illness. Being vaccinated and boosted allows people to move through life with a semblance of normalcy.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of false information out there about COVID-19 vaccines that can lead some to decide not to get vaccinated. Some may be skeptical of the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness, while others may be afraid of the vaccination process. Even though you may disagree, it can be a touchy subject and daunting to bring up in conversation.
If you want to engage friends and family in a positive conversation about COVID-19 vaccines, the best approach is a thoughtful approach. With holiday gatherings around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare.
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COVID-19 reinfections comprise more than 12% of cases reported to public health in Oregon. This number is believed to be lower than the true figure and is expected to continue to increase as more people experience a first infection. Additionally, the virus that causes COVID-19 has great ability to mutate and evade prior immunity from infection or vaccination. New Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data show COVID-19 reinfections:
- Occurred when Delta was the predominant variant but spiked greatly when Omicron arrived.
- May be less severe than initial infections, on average.
- Are more likely to occur in people who are not up to date on their vaccinations.
- Are less likely to cause severe disease in people who are up to date on their vaccinations.
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This year’s flu season is showing signs of being severe and peaking early. Public health officials in Oregon predict that people will likely be hospitalized with the flu at a rate similar to years prior to COVID-19. And with COVID-19 cases expected to rise as winter moves in, Oregon hospitals, already struggling with staffing shortages, risk being overwhelmed.
“Your flu vaccine is extremely important this year — and certainly more than it has been in the last two years when we had virtually no flu that was circulating,” said Peter Graven, Ph.D., director of Oregon Health and Science University’s Office of Advanced Analytics. “The flu is probably going to be at least as important this year as COVID.”
The flu vaccine can reduce illness, visits to doctors’ offices, missed work and school, as well as make flu symptoms less severe. It's safe and convenient to get a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. Read more about the benefits of the flu vaccine here.
Flu is a completely different virus from COVID-19, but the symptoms can be similar. The same prevention methods work for both, and only a test can determine which virus you have.
For those with insurance, including Oregon Health Plan members, flu shots are free. Without insurance, flu shots are available for purchase at most pharmacies for about $40. Call 211 if you need support finding a health care provider or locations that offer low-cost or free flu shots.
Everyone age 6 months and older is eligible to get a flu vaccine. You can search Vaccines.gov to find flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Subscribe to OHA’s Flu Bites for the latest on flu in Oregon.
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Health notes |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our lives in countless ways. Lockdowns and safety measures forced us to make significant changes to how we worked, shopped and socialized. Maybe you work from home now, if possible. Maybe you got a dog.
But on a more personal level, how did the pandemic change you?
Do you view your health in a new light? Has your family dynamic changed? Are your relationships colored by loss or challenging conversations? Have you found new meaning in your community or a new hobby? Has your worldview changed?
Has living through the pandemic taught you life lessons that you will carry with you?
If you’re comfortable sharing, we’d appreciate hearing your personal takeaways from the past few years. We may use your responses in a future blog story. Thank you!
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If you are a behavioral health professional in Oregon with student debt, you may qualify for a tax-free grant to help repay undergraduate or post-graduate loans.
The Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment program aims to support and retain the state’s behavioral health workforce, which was negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, providers who represent or work with communities of color, tribal members and rural communities are encouraged to apply. Here are highlights of the program:
- Full-time workers (32+ hours per week) can receive 70% of their qualifying educational loan debt balance, up to $50,000 per obligation year.
- Part-time workers (16-31 hours per week) can receive 35% of their qualifying educational loan debt balance, up to $25,000 per obligation year.
Applicants must be currently employed providing direct or telehealth care, charting and clinical supervision, case management or care coordination related to behavioral health. For details, visit Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment.
Applications are due no later than noon, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow for follow-up information requests from OHA.
Oregon Veterans are now eligible for dental benefits through the state’s Medicaid program, Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Even if veterans don’t qualify for OHP’s medical benefits, they can apply for OHP’s dental benefits.
The new Veteran Dental Program for Oregon launched Nov. 1 and is separate from dental benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“The Oregon Veteran Dental Program will bridge a significant gap in veterans’ access to accessible and affordable oral care in Oregon, which is critical for physical health, confidence and their overall well-being,” said Kelly Fitzpatrick, director of Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “This new program reflects our state’s continuing commitment to serve and support our Oregon veteran community.”
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OHA answers your questions |
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Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA senior health advisor and medical director, Communicable Diseases and Immunizations, answered today’s questions. We’ll continue to answer your questions in upcoming newsletters.
Q: Is Novavax approved as a booster after a Johnson & Johnson series of two? Last injection received was Nov. 15, 2021. – Janice, Hillsboro
A: “The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine is a single-dose primary series. If you are immunocompromised, you may have received an ‘additional dose’ of J&J as part of your primary series. Regarding Novavax boosters, they are authorized only for persons 18 years of age and older who have not previously received any booster dose, if it’s been at least six months since completing the primary series and if the person refuses to receive an updated mRNA booster (Pfizer or Moderna). Based on what you've written, you are eligible for the Novavax booster as long as the ‘series of two’ you referenced includes a second J&J dose authorized for people with compromised immune systems.”
Q: For prevention of a COVID-19 infection, experts said you had to remain indoors with a carrier for 15 minutes to become infected. With the new Omicron variants, is that exposure time still relevant? How is that association time affected if both people are wearing masks? – William, Lane County
A: “We still define 'close contact' as living with, having contact with the infectious secretions of, or being within six feet of, a person with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes. You’re correct in feeling that because the new variants are so contagious, and the infection so widespread, it is quite possible to contract COVID-19 without meeting this definition of 'close contact.' However, we still advise people who meet this definition to watch for symptoms, consider getting tested five days after exposure, avoid contact with high-risk people for 10 days after exposure and wear a well-fitting mask when around others.”
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 that may be of interest to a broader audience. Please understand we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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