Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am back from my visit to New England where I enjoyed amazing Fall weather and beautiful foliage. I came home to blustery and rainy weather, but it looks like Sunday will be sunny and dry for the ever important trick-or-treating festivities. I hope that everyone gets a chance to have a safe and healthy celebration this weekend. Halloween is not my favorite holiday but I do enjoy the pumpkins and seeing kids who want to dress up in costume.
It has been a busy week catching up with staff and working on projects heading into Legislative Committee Days in mid-November. The Oregon I-5 Bridge Committee had a great meeting this week with our counterparts from Washington State and I recommend checking out more about the ongoing project at the official website. You can participate in the Virtual Open House on design options and provide your feedback, which is a very important part of the Bridge development process.
And finally, there are some very important updates on the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson boosters in the "Vaccine Information" section of this newsletter. Please make sure to read about when you are eligible for your booster shot and remember to check with your primary care physician if you have any questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
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EDUCATION TOWN HALL THIS SATURDAY
I hope you can join me this Saturday at 9:45 am for an online Town Hall on Education issues. I encourage school board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and students to join me in a discussion about this most challenging of school years and the Legislature's role in funding Education and supporting teachers and students. You can join at www.tinyurl.com/mclaineducation or simply click on the flyer below to go to the zoom link.
COVID-19 UPDATES
The good news to report is that cases are down for the 8th week in a row! The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Weekly Report, released yesterday, shows decreases in daily cases and deaths. However, there was an increase in hospitalizations last week.
OHA reported 7,707 new cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 24. That represents a 4.1% decrease from the previous week and, as mentioned, the eighth consecutive week of declining case counts.
The incidence of reported COVID-19 cases was higher in Oregon counties with population vaccination rates less than 50%.
There were 415 new COVID-19 hospitalizations, up from 377 last week, marking the first time hospitalizations have risen following seven consecutive weeks of declines.
There were 110 reported COVID-19 related deaths, down from 183 reported the previous week. This was the lowest weekly death toll since the week of Aug. 16–22.
There were 137,537 tests for COVID-19 for the week of Oct. 17 through Oct. 23. The percentage of positive tests was 7.4%, down from 7.6% the previous week.
Yesterday’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 101 active COVID-19 outbreaks in senior living communities and congregate living settings, with three or more confirmed cases and one or more COVID-19 related deaths.
Get the candy ready, the trick-or-treaters are coming
This weekend, neighborhoods across the state will be swarming with ghosts and goblins in pursuit of yummy sweets.
If you plan to trick-or-treat or hand out candy, please wear a COVID-safe face covering and check out these tips for a fun and healthy holiday weekend.
VACCINE INFORMATION AND UPDATES
Understanding the latest COVID-19 booster recommendations
Following the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup’s recommendations about COVID-19 boosters for fully vaccinated people, Oregon is prepared to give people added protection against COVID-19.
I received two doses of Moderna and/or Pfizer. Do I need a booster?
Booster doses are available for these groups at least six months after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine:
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People who should get a booster dose: 65 and older; 18+ living in long-term care facilities; 50+ with underlying medical conditions, increased risk of social inequities or disabilities (including intellectual and developmental disabilities).
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People who may get a booster dose: 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, increased risk of social inequities or disabilities (including intellectual and developmental disabilities); 18+ who live or work in high-risk settings.
I received Johnson & Johnson. Do I need a booster?
Booster doses are recommended for everyone 18 and older, at least two months after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Does my booster dose need to be the same vaccine as I originally received?
No. All three COVID-19 vaccines are available as a booster dose for all fully vaccinated people who are eligible. This means people can get a booster dose at any location that provides COVID-19 vaccines, depending on advice from their health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience.
You can read the complete booster FAQ, here.
To find a vaccine provider, visit the Get Vaccinated Oregon locator map.
FDA advisory committee votes in favor of Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11
Based on the information presented, VRBPAC voted 17-0 that the benefits of administering the pediatric Pfizer vaccine outweighed the risks for children ages 5 to 11.
In addition to preventing COVID-19 illnesses and hospitalizations among children, the committee noted that the vaccine could address other negative impacts of the disease on children in this age group, such as:
If the FDA approves Pfizer’s EUA request, the next step in the approval process is for the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to review the FDA’s evaluation and make recommendations regarding which children should receive the vaccine. The ACIP is expected to meet Nov. 2-3.
When COVID-19 vaccines become available to younger children, OHA anticipates that they will be widely available in clinics, community health centers, and pharmacies.
Vaccines provide added protection after COVID-19 infection
People infected with COVID-19 produce antibodies that offer protection (“natural immunity”) from future exposures. However, not everyone builds the same immune response, and research is not yet clear on how strong, or for how long, protection from natural immunity lasts.
What is clear is that immunity wanes over time, and vaccinations after infection offer improved protection.
COVID-19 infection provides more protection when combined with vaccine immunity
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Research in Kentucky comparing individuals who had COVID-19 found that those who did not get vaccinated were more than two times as likely to be re-infected than those were fully vaccinated.
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Research also suggests people who experienced mild or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 may not have built as many antibodies as someone who had a more severe case.
Natural immunity wanes over time
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A study of 156 health care workers who experienced mild cases of COVID-19 found that:
- 94 percent of participants had fewer antibodies after about two months, and
- 28 percent no longer had enough antibodies to meet the threshold to test positive.
This means the more time that passes after infection, the more vulnerable one is to becoming ill with COVID-19. If you have recovered from COVID-19 or were asymptomatic, then vaccination is still the best choice.
The CDC recommends if you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma to wait 90 days before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
To read this complete story, visit Oregon Vaccine News.
Washington Co. Vaccine Information:
Every Oregonian age 12 and up is eligible for a vaccine. Twelve to 14 year-olds must be accompanied by either a parent, guardian or someone designated by the parent. If someone other than a parent or guardian accompanies the 12 to 14-year-old, they will need to provide proof of parental/guardian consent.
Proof of consent is either:
- A signed consent form (available in English and Spanish on the All4OR.org site)
- A written or typed note that includes the parent/guardians name, relationship to the young adult, their date of birth, a statement saying they consent to young adult being vaccinated and the parent/guardian signature.
Fifteen-year-olds do not need to be accompanied, and do not require parental consent in the state of Oregon.
Washington County's Mobile Vaccination Van: Our van is traveling the county to make it easier for people to get the vaccine close to where they live or shop. Find the schedule here.
Beaverton Resource Center: They have extended their program into October. Visit their website for exact dates and times. Pfizer for ages 12 and older. Located at 13565 SW Walker Road.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Centers: All vaccination events are open to the community, do not require an appointment, and do not require you to be a Virginia Garcia patient. You do not have to have insurance in order to receive a vaccine. If you have insurance, please bring your card with you. Remember, vaccines are free!
Local pharmacies: As of April 27, 2021, pharmacies are required to offer second/boost doses to people who received their first dose somewhere else.
How much does the vaccine cost? Vaccines are provided free of charge to the recipient. If you have health insurance, you may be asked to provide that information so the vaccinator can bill your insurance an administration fee.
AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY
Centro Breaks Ground on New Free Food Mercado in Cornelius
On Monday, Centro Cultural held a ground-breaking ceremony for Centro Mercado, a new grocery-style food pantry that will allow its clients to select their food with dignity and respect. Centro Cultural has hired a 100% Latino crew from our area and has an ambitious goal to complete construction by next spring. The expansion of their food pantry program will allow them to serve more individuals and families.
I am grateful that I was able to allocate $660,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to the project along with Senator Chuck Riley and Representative Janeen Sollman. Special thanks to Mayors Truax and Dalin and to Director Rubio and the entire team at Centro Cultural for bringing this much needed service to Western Washington County.
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El lunes, El Centro Cultural realizó una ceremonia de inauguración para el Centro Mercado, una nueva despensa de alimentos estilo comestible que permitirá a sus clientes seleccionar sus alimentos con dignidad y respeto. El Centro Cultural ha contratado a un equipo 100% Latino de nuestra área y tienen un ambicioso objetivo de completar la construcción para la próxima primavera. La expansión de su programa de despensa de alimentos les permitirá servir aun más personas y familias.
Estoy agradecida de poder asignar $660,000 en dinero de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (ARPA) al proyecto junto con el Senador Chuck Riley y la Representante Janeen Sollman. Un agradecimiento especial a los alcaldes Truax y Dalin y al director Rubio y a todo el equipo del Centro Cultural por brindar este servicio tan necesario al oeste del condado de Washington.
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Centro and City of Hillsboro to Host Day of Dead Celebration
Centro Cultural is hosting a celebration of Dia De Los Muertos/Day of the Dead on November 1st in partnership with the City of Hillsboro. The event is taking place in Hidden Creek Community Center from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. This is a free event with food, activities, and entertainment!.
In addition to the event, there will be Covid-19 vaccines provided to those who would like to receive one at no cost.
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El Centro Cultural acoge un festejo del Dia de Los Muertos el primero de noviembre en asociación con la Ciudad de Hillsboro. Este evento toma lugar en Hidden Creek Community Center comenzando a las 5:30 pm hasta las 8:00 pm. Este es un evento gratuito con comida, actividades y entrenamiento.
Además del evento, se proporcionarán vacunas contra el Covid-19 a quienes desean recibirlas sin costo alguno.
*A special thank you to our new intern, Casandra Garcia Lopez, for translating the information in this section of the newsletter.
WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Wildfire Recovery Resources
OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:
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Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
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Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
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Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
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Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
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Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
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U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
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U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
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Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
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Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
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SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
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State taxes (Oregon Dept. of Revenue) Phone: 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 TTY: All relay calls are accepted. Website: www.oregon.gov/dor
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Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
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Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
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Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
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Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
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Medical records - Call your doctor or your medical insurance company; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.
The Governor’s office has put together a Wildfire Resources page that you can access from the Governor’s home page. It has links to many of the most important updates about the status of fires and resources for evacuees. This website will be updated regularly.
Legal Resources: Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program, Oregon lawyers, through the Oregon State Bar, are partnering with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide legal assistance on FEMA claims, contract claims, insurance claims, landlord-tenant matters and more.
The Department of Forestry’s Wildfire Response and Recovery Overview has ongoing updates about firefighting efforts, damage reports, and more.
FEMA Updates: FEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Employers and Employees
The following list of resources is from Oregon’s Secretary of State’s Office. The fastest way to get in touch with the SOS team is by emailing business.sos@oregon.gov, using the “Need Help?” button found on most state agency websites or visiting www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness.
Education Links
Local Government
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
Oregon is so beautiful in all seasons: Vine Maple, Heather falls, and just plain wonderful Washington County countryside.
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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