Public Health Information

This page provides public health information and resources for Central Oregon seniors and caregivers. Scroll down for the latest information on COVID-19 and monkeypox.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Bivalent Booster

A new booster has been approved for administration in Oregon and doses are starting to arrive in the state. The updated booster is now the only type of booster approved for administration.

– You can get your updated vaccine if it’s been at least two months since your last dose.

– It doesn’t matter which COVID vaccine you had as your primary vaccination series or how many boosters you’ve received.

– If you’ve recently had COVID, you should wait to get your booster shot three months after testing negative. 

To learn more about the new vaccine and to locate vaccine clinics, visit the Deschutes County Health Services website at https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/covid-19-vaccine or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 541-699-5109

Stay Informed

Get the latest local information on COVID-19 from the Deschutes County website.

Vaccination and Testing

Need a Ride?

If you need a ride, call the COVID-19 hotline at (541) 699-5109 and staff will assist you in scheduling a ride.

  • Medical transportation: For PacificSource OHP, call LogistiCare: 855-397-3619. Please allow 48-hours notice to arrange a ride.
  • Sisters to Redmond: STARS 541-904-5545 or email stars4ride@gmail.com.
  • Dial-A-Ride: Cascade East Transit 541-385-8680. Please call at least 24 hours in advance of appointment and ask for a separate return trip.

Other Information:

Vaccine Assistance Line

The vaccine assistance line was established to serve Oregonians who qualify for in-home services and supports, specifically those currently served by Oregon Project Independence (OPI) or Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports. To reach the vaccine assistance line, Oregonians may call 1-833-685-0843 or send an email to Vaccine.Assistance@dhsoha.state.or.us. Help is available in many languages.

Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)

The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated. Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern)  – or –  email DIAL@n4a.org  

Monkeypox

What you should know

The monkeypox virus can cause a painful, sometimes debilitating rash that looks like blisters or pimples. It may be mistaken for chickenpox, shingles, or herpes. It is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion.

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus and typically last 2-4 weeks. The initial outbreak has been concentrated among men who have sex with men, however, anyone can contract monkeypox.

How do you catch monkeypox?
Monkeypox is spread through close personal contact. 

This includes:

Skin-to-skin contact. Most often, monkeypox is spread through intimate contact. However, holding someone with monkeypox or dressing, transferring, or bathing also could transmit the virus.

Clothing or linens that have been used by someone with monkeypox and have not been disinfected can spread the virus.

Exposure to respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.

A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. 

Are older adults and people with disabilities at greater risk?

People in congregate settings like nursing homes, group homes, and assisted living facilities may be at increased risk of contracting and spreading monkeypox due to the close, prolonged contact residents have with each other and staff. CDC stresses that there is no cause for alarm, but staff and residents should remain vigilant. See CDC’s special guidance around Congregate Living Settings.

In addition, people who are immunocompromised or have a history of eczema, as well as people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may be more likely to get seriously ill from a monkeypox infection.

Prevention and treatment

Monkeypox can be prevented by avoiding close contact with someone who is infected with the virus. CDC recommends that all people follow these basic prevention steps:

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. This also means following safer sex practices.

Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.

Wash your hands often.

In addition, residents and staff in congregate settings should follow infection control guidelines, including isolation and disinfectant protocols.

Should I get vaccinated?
CDC currently recommends vaccination only for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at highest risk due to sexual behavior. Learn more from CDC’s website.

What should I do if I think I have monkeypox?
If you have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.

How do I get tested, vaccinated, or treated?

The CDC has information on Prevention and Treatment, including who is eligible for vaccines and antivirals.

To find a vaccination provider, visit the Deschutes County Health Department website or call 311.

Antiviral medicines may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, which includes people with weakened immune systems. (Most people with monkeypox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.) The antiviral TPOXX must be ordered by a doctor; it is not available at retail pharmacies.

Vaccination and antiviral medications are free even for those without insurance, though there may be associated costs like a charge to visit your primary care physician.