Get COVID booster before updated vaccines arrive, Oregon health experts say
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As COVID-19 infections continue to rise in Oregon, health experts are encouraging some residents to get a booster now — even before updated boosters arrive this fall.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, people over the age of 60 and anyone with chronic medical conditions should get the vaccine now. While it won’t stop someone from getting COVID-19, it will very likely keep them out of the hospital.
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“I would get it if you’re in a high-risk group, and then all of us will be recommended to get a newer vaccine, a JN.1 vaccine, or descendants KP.2 or KP.3, probably a month or two from now,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak of OHA’s Communicable Diseases and Immunizations Department.
At the turn of 2024, new strain JN.1 — a variant of Omicron — made up 86% of Oregon’s COVID-19 cases. That particular strain has appeared to slow down, but several other Omicron subvariants of it have popped up in the time since.
In early August, Oregon saw a jump from 3% to 18% in positive tests while hospitalizations nearly tripled.
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Oregon was also one of seven states with “high levels” of COVID-19 detected in its wastewater in July, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tests on July 11 showed an activity level of 10 across 23 wastewater treatment plants in the state. Activity is classified as “very high” once it exceeds level eight.
Arkansas, California, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, and Texas were the only other states at this level.
Officials recommend avoiding large gatherings, wearing the best mask available if necessary to go out, and making a plan for what to do if someone in your family gets sick.
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