Klickitat County Health Department Urges Community Members to Schedule Their Vaccinations
Goldendale, WA, January 11, 2022 – The Klickitat County Health Department (KCHD) was notified today that the COVID-19 Omicron variant has been identified in Klickitat County. The Omicron variant is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington State Department of Health as a concerning variant because of its potential increase in transmission. Based on current information found on the CDC’s variant information website:
- The Omicron variant is likely to spread easier than the original virus. However, it is unclear at this time if it is more easily spread than the Delta variant.
- Breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are expected, but vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
- Anyone who contracts the Omicron variant can spread the virus to others even if they are vaccinated or not having any symptoms.
- The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
- Scientists are still working on determining whether or not existing treatments for COVID-19 will be equally as effective for this variant.
- Vaccine boosters are recommended for anyone who has completed their Moderna or Pfizer vaccination series more than six months ago or received a J&J vaccine more than two months ago.
- For more information on the Omicron variant, please visit the CDC website.
This variant information was gathered through the state public health surveillance program which tests for variant strains not for the purposes of clinical or public health management of individuals. As a result, no information was provided that would allow us to identify the individual that the sample belonged to at this time.
KCHD will continue to respond to COVID-19 with the current course of action. This includes encouraging community members to get vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Community members can schedule their vaccinations online through KCHD at or by calling NorthShore Medical, Skyline Health, or Klickitat Valley Health for a vaccine appointment. Masking and good hand hygiene are still recommended for everyone.
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About Klickitat County Public Health
Klickitat County Public Health is always working for a safer and healthier community. As the region’s public health leader and partner, we are committed to excellence through innovative programs, community partnerships and a fundamental dedication to promote and protect the health of all Klickitat County residents.
For More Information:
Klickitat County Public Health: www.klickitatcounty.org/289/Public-Health
Klickitat Valley Health: www.kvhealth.net
Skyline Health: www.myskylinehealth.org
Northshore Medical Group: www.northshore-medical.com
COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/covid-19-risk-assessment-dashboard