60th COVID Death in Wasco County; 50+ Eligible for 2nd booster; Vaccine Clinic April 4-6
In a sad reminder that the pandemic is not over even though cases have dropped dramatically, Wasco County has recently recorded its 60th COVID-19 death.
The person tested positive Jan. 3 and died Feb. 10. The Oregon Health Authority released the information March 17. The person was in their mid-60s, and passed away at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center.
North Central Public Health District is no longer listing each local COVID death, but is instead observing when milestones in total deaths are reached. We extend our condolences to the many families who have lost loved ones to the pandemic.
Vaccinations, and booster doses, provide critical protection against hospitalization and death from COVID. This is particularly true for those who are older.
People over 50 are now eligible for a second booster dose, and can get it four months after their first booster dose. Certain immunocompromised people age 12 and up also are now eligible for a second booster dose.
Evidence suggests a second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine improves protection against severe COVID and is not associated with new safety concerns.
Vaccines and boosters are widely available locally, including at a free, walk-in clinic next Monday through Wednesday, April 4-6, at 523 E. 3rd St. in The Dalles, at the former Griffith Motors building downtown, across from Sawyer’s Ace Hardware and Grinders Coffee. The clinic runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
No appointment is needed and no insurance or ID are required.
Over 200 Oregonians a day are getting their first dose of the vaccine and another 600 or so are getting a booster dose. If you are ready to get the vaccine or eligible for a first or second booster, head over to the vaccine clinic. Vaccines are also available at local doctor’s offices and local pharmacies.
(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.)