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Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer and epidemiologist, and Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA senior health advisor and medical director, Communicable Diseases and Immunizations Program, answered today’s questions.
Q: I have COPD and I feel especially bad this time of year, with the pollen. My health care provider prescribes good medicine for me, and I am curious what else I might do to help myself. I have pets, also. – Bridget, Bandon
A: “Sorry for your seasonal discomfort, and you are definitely not alone. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a serious respiratory condition, and it sounds like your health care provider is taking care of you. The most important thing is to keep talking to your provider about this, but some basic actions that might help include limiting exposure to seasonal allergens by staying indoors when pollen levels are high or air quality is poor (AQI over 100), using an air purifier, and keeping your home clean and free of dust and pet dander as possible.
“Here are a couple of general articles about COPD and allergies:”
-- Seasonal Allergies and COPD: Tips to Avoid Complications
-- What to know about COPD and allergies
Q: I got my first shingles vaccine in September of 2022, then went to get 2nd in February 2023. But the doctor thought that my insurance didn't cover it so I didn't end up getting it. It was supposed to be within 6 months, so should I get the 2nd one or start the series over. I'm 67 years old. – Grant, Cloverdale
A: “Good news – you do not have to restart the shingles vaccine series. The only downside to waiting a long time to get the second dose is that you will not enjoy maximum protection from shingles with just one dose. But after getting the second dose, you will be just as protected as you would have been had you gotten it within the recommended time frame.
“As for insurance coverage, the Affordable Care Act requires that Marketplace and most private insurers cover all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (including Shringrix, the brand name of the shingles vaccine), with no out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays. If you are covered by Medicare, however, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part D to have Shringrix covered. But because Medicare Part D is specifically for pharmacy care, most doctors cannot bill Medicare Part D for vaccinations. Therefore, it is recommended that Medicare Part D enrollees go to a pharmacy for most vaccinations, including Shringrix. The Shingrix website offers this guide for cost and insurance coverage of the vaccine.”
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, 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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