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Stephen White, manager of OHA’s Health Systems and Community-Clinical Linkages Program, and Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA senior health advisor and medical director, Communicable Diseases and Immunizations program, answered today’s questions.
Q: Does Oregon Health Authority have any programs that promote the use of biking, especially bike commuting to work or to the grocery store? If not, how would citizens in Oregon go about having the Oregon Health Authority promote biking, both for city infrastructure, and at the state level with bus or train infrastructure that is bike friendly? – Amy, Dallas
A: “OHA currently does not have any programs focused on promoting bicycling or bike commuting. That said, OHA has been working with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) over the past few years on programs, policies and projects that benefit public and health equity. One of our primary focus areas has been on increasing funding for active transportation infrastructure and programs such as Safe Routes to School. OHA helped create key statewide planning documents such as the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and the Oregon Public Transportation Plan, both of which include goals related to public health and equity.
“In addition to working with ODOT, OHA’s Place Matters media campaign promotes the connections between place and health, including the health benefits of active transportation choices.
“Anyone interested in promoting infrastructure for active transportation, including public transit, should start by connecting with their city or county planning agencies that plan and implement local transportation investments. State law requires planning agencies to allow for public input on land use and transportation plans, so there might be opportunities to provide input if any planning is currently under way. Another option would be to do a little digging to see if there are any local organizations currently advocating for more funding and promotion of active transportation.”
Q: I am 74 years old. Regarding pneumococcal vaccines, I received PCV13 In 2016 and Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23) in 2020. I want to get PCV20, but my pharmacist said I may not be eligible. Can my physician order a PCV20? I always end up needing an inhaler with URIs and occasionally Prednisone or a nebulizer and would like the additional coverage of PCV20. – Christie, Astoria
A: “Your health care provider should be able to prescribe it for you. The most recent national recommendations state that, ‘Shared clinical decision-making is recommended regarding PCV20 use for adults 65 and older who have completed the recommended vaccine series with both PCV13 (at any age) and PPSV23 (administered at or after age 65).’ Because you’ve received PCV13 and PPSV23 as you’ve indicated, yes, your physician may prescribe PCV20 after discussing it with you. (‘Shared clinical decision-making’ means the patient discusses it with their provider first.)”
If you have a question related to COVID-19 or other public health topics, 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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