Nearly 26,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam counties, and that does not include increasingly brisk vaccinations at local pharmacies.
Last week’s doses at three main vaccine locations brought the cumulative count to 25,967. The breakdown is:
- 69 at North Central Public Health District, 16,031 cumulative
- 20 at Mid-Columbia Medical Center clinics, 1,544 cumulative
- 60 at One Community Health; 3, 375 cumulative Other entities have given 4,440 doses since vaccination began.
Additional doses are now being offered to people with such weakened immune systems that the initial doses did not create an immune response. It is a small group, just an estimated 2.7 percent of U.S. adults, with a short qualifying list of conditions including:
- Currently getting treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response (talk to your healthcare provider if you aren’t sure).
The Biden administration this week announced that, starting Sept. 20, the general population would be eligible for a third dose eight months after their second dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout, according to a statement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“For that reason, we conclude that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability,” the statement said.
NCPHD will announce plans soon for rollout of third doses.
In Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown yesterday mandated the vaccine for healthcare workers and K-12 educators and staff, effective Oct. 18 or six weeks after FDA approval of the vaccines, whichever comes later.
The vaccine is available on a walk-in basis at all local pharmacies. To make an appointment for a vaccine at NCPHD, which offers all three vaccines, call 541-506-2600. Wasco County residents get a $50 VISA card for their first dose while supplies last.
(For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)