The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) endeavors to provide up-to-date information on issues that impact counties broadly. Below are some key areas of activity impacting Oregon counties and Oregonians related to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccines – State Updates

Late September, the Office of the Governor announced the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup completed its review of the federal process and has recommended a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months after their primary vaccination series for people older than 65 and people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. 

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup completed its review of the federal process and recommended a booster dose for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines on October 22. Recipients of the Moderna vaccine may receive a booster shot six months after completing their primary vaccination series, and recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may receive a booster shot two months after receiving their first dose.

The workgroup also approved the “mix-and-match” strategy, endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Both review and approvals provided specific recommendations for age and risk categories related to booster doses. More information is available in the linked press releases.

Vaccines – Federal Updates

On October 26, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) met in open session to discuss a request to amend Pfizer-BioNTech’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for administration of their COVID-19 mRNA vaccine to children five through 11 years of age.

State Vaccine Rates

As of October 26, 2021, 2,589,267 Oregonians have completed their vaccine series, and 215,272 are currently in progress. For up-to-date information on vaccinations in Oregon, click here.

Hospital Capacity

The Oregon Health Authority has created a resource to provide clarity on Oregon COVID-19 hospital capacity by region. Information on occupied and available staffed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and non ICU adult hospital beds by region is available here. Additional information regarding hospitalization by severity, facility, and region as well as personal protective equipment can be found at this link as well. 

Reports

The Oregon Health Authority has provided a number of reports and resources regarding COVID-19 data including vaccination trends, case counts, testing, and more here.

COVID-19 Resources

Below are links to resource websites from the State of Oregon, federal partners and agencies, and worldwide resources.

State Resources

National Resources

Worldwide Resources

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate