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In this issue:
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Federal health officials are asking Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax to create a new COVID-19 vaccine in time for the fall. Instead of another bivalent shot (which Moderna and Pfizer introduced last year), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory committee wants all three companies to produce a monovalent vaccine that targets only the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant.
Also, the first-ever RSV vaccines are one step closer to becoming available to older adults.
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In 2022, a 42-year-old man entered an Oregon hospital’s emergency department after two days of pain in his back, arms and neck, and difficulty opening his mouth. He was diagnosed with tetanus, also known as “lockjaw,” and had no known history of being vaccinated against tetanus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published an article about the case, highlighting the disproportionate impact of tetanus on certain populations and the importance of all people to get vaccinated against the disease.
Migrants from Latin American countries, including Mexico, typically have lower vaccination coverage than non-migrant populations and often work in professions where the risk of injuries resulting in tetanus is greater, such as construction and agricultural. Other high-risk professions include health care workers, firefighters, animal herders, veterinarians, and any work that involves the slaughtering, butchering or skinning of animals.
Others at high risk for tetanus include those with a history of immune-suppressing medical conditions, intravenous drug users, gardeners and campers.
Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a toxin that attacks the central nervous system. The toxin is produced by bacteria found everywhere in soil and can infect the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut or puncture wound caused by a contaminated object such as a nail. Tetanus vaccines are extremely effective at preventing infection.
It is recommended that everyone, starting at age 2 months, be vaccinated against tetanus. For adults, a tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years.Talk to your health care provider about whether you are up to date on tetanus vaccinations. If you don’t remember when you got your last tetanus booster, it is recommended and safe to get one at any time.
Most private health insurance plans cover tetanus vaccinations, as does Medicare Part D and Oregon Health Plan. Check with your insurance provider on whether there is any cost to you and for a list of in-network vaccine providers. People without insurance should check with their local public health department or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) for availability of low- or no-cost tetanus vaccinations. A list of Oregon’s FQHCs can be found here.
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Health notes |
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Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria have been detected in ocean waters at Oceanside Beach in Tillamook County, leading OHA to issue a beach advisory. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. Check for updates here.
Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.
Economically and socially marginalized communities in Oregon bear the brunt of climate-related extreme events, such as heat waves, droughts and wildfires. A new OHA report, Climate and Health in Oregon 2021-2022, shows that communities of color, Tribal communities, individuals with lower incomes, older adults, people with disabilities, outdoor workers, and the under- or uninsured experience more health issues as a result of these climate events.
The report highlights the health effects of various extreme climate events in Oregon in the past two years, including heat waves causing deaths among older adults, those with low incomes and non-white populations.
“Due to climate change, nearly the entire state will need to prepare for steady increases in extreme heat over the next several decades,” said Oregon Public Health Director Rachael Banks.
The report also outlines recent investments by the Oregon Legislature to enhance climate and health resilience, including funding for community-based organizations, grants for creating climate-resilient homes, support for Tribal public health systems and the supply of air conditioners and air purifiers through Oregon's Medicaid (OHP) coverage.
For more information visit OHA’s Climate Health webpage.
As the state continues to review member eligibility for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and other state Medicaid programs, early data from April, May and June show at least 64.3% of people will keep their benefits, with no need to provide additional information. So far fewer than 1 in 18 individuals are losing their coverage. For the remaining cases under review, members need to provide more information or complete a renewal packet before a decision is made. It’s important for members to keep their contact information up to date during this process.
Members losing OHP have other coverage options and will receive at least 60 days advance notice. Many people will be eligible to enroll in health plans with financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM). Other people will be eligible for Medicare or employer coverage.
- To learn more about the Marketplace or other coverage options, visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 833-699-6850.
- People age 65+ can sign up for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visiting this sign-up page.
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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 program, answered today’s questions.
Q: When can I get the recently FDA-approved RSV vaccine? I am a 68-year-old male with significant health issues. – Karl, Portland
A: “Indeed, the FDA has approved two RSV vaccines for older adults, one made by Pfizer and the other by GlaxoSmithKline. Yesterday, the CDC followed with its recommendation that people age 60+ may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, after discussing it with their health care provider. But before you can go out and get it, the companies must manufacture and distribute the vaccines. Some vaccine rollouts happen quickly, as is the case with some COVID-19 vaccines that have already been manufactured and stocked but which receive expanded authorization for different age groups, for example. But these RSV vaccines are brand new, and, according to statements by the two companies, we expect them to be available later this year, likely in the fall before the start of RSV season.”
Q: Is there a non-mRNA second booster available for COVID? – Tom, Medford
A: “At this time, the only non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is made by Novavax, and it is authorized only as a two-dose primary series for people age 12+, and a single-dose, one-time booster for people age 18+. However, the FDA has recently asked Novavax (as well as Moderna and Pfizer) to update its COVID-19 vaccine formula to target Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 in time for a fall rollout. Next, the CDC will have to sign off on it and recommend who should get it, and we don’t expect any additional boosters with the current Novavax vaccine to be authorized before then.”
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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If you need mental health support for any reason, help is out there.
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