OHA release – Oregonians ages 65 and older are now advised to get an additional dose of the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine released last fall, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Vaccine-induced immunity can wane over time, but a second dose restores that protection, which can help keep people in this particularly vulnerable group from being hospitalized or even dying,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA. The additional dose of the 2023-2024 vaccine should be given at least four months after the first dose. People who are immunocompromised are already eligible for additional doses of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine, at least two months after their most recent dose. While the state has seen a steady decline in COVID-19-related hospitalizations and percentage of positive COVID-19 tests since late December, the virus is still circulating briskly across Oregon. OHA continues to recommend anyone who has not received the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine to get it as soon as they can, as vaccination remains the best way for people to protect themselves against the virus. Additionally, the CDC recently updated its isolation guidelines to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, which align with Oregon’s guidelines.
