Three More COVID-19 Deaths in Wasco County; Vaccine Rates Surge
Sadly, we are reporting that three more deaths have occurred in Wasco County due to COVID-19. Two were just recently reported by the Oregon Health Authority, but occurred in August. Another occurred this week. This brings total Wasco County deaths from COVID to 44.
A woman tested positive Aug. 11 and died Aug. 21 at her residence. Another woman tested positive Aug. 20 and died Aug. 29 at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland.
A man tested positive for COVID on Oct. 12 and died Nov. 16 at Mid-Columbia Medical Center.
Vaccination in particular, as well as good ventilation, masking and physical distancing remain our best tools to end the pandemic.
Locally, vaccination rates have picked up significantly with both booster doses and pediatric doses now available. Nearly 1,900 vaccines were administered in the first two weeks of November. In Wasco County, 77.6 % of those 18 and up have received at least one dose. In Sherman County, its 67.6 %, and in Gilliam County, 51.8 %.
In the week ending Nov. 12:
· North Central Public Health District administered 674 doses (18,461 cumulatively)
· Mid-Columbia Medical Center’s doctor’s offices administered 121 doses (2,193 total)
· Deschutes Rim Medical Clinic administered 24 doses (725 total)
· One Community Health continues to offer vaccine (3,901 total)
NCPHD is offering clinics for those 12 and up for first, second, third and booster doses. Upcoming clinics are Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. To book your own appointment for a free vaccine, visit https://www.ncphd.org/book-vaccine or call us at 541-506-2600.
One Community Health has clinics on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Register at https://www.onecommunityhealth.org/covid19-vaccine.
The Port of Hood River is the location for a walk-in pediatric vaccine clinic this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21, for ages 5-11. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The same clinic is also offering all vaccines to 12 and up on Saturday and Sunday, as well as today (Friday), Monday and Tuesday, with the same 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours.
Local doctor’s offices are offering the pediatric vaccine to existing patients who are ages 5-11, as is One Community Health.
Fred Meyer (https://www.fredmeyer.com/rx/covid-vaccine), Rite-Aid (https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/scheduler) and Walgreen’s https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid/19/landing also offer the vaccine for ages 5-11.
(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.)