For the month of December 2021, 256 cases of COVID-19 were tracked in Tillamook County. This is a 53.3% increase in cases in December compared to November & 103.2% increase in cases in December compared to October.
Pandemic total COVID-19 related deaths now at 51, with two deaths that occurred early this week.
Out of the total 51 COVID-19 deaths, 49 occurred in 2021 – Jan: 2, Feb: 0. March: 0, April: 2, May: 0, June: 1, July: 1, August: 16, September: 16, October: 7, November: 1, and December: 3.
We grieve with the community for every life lost and wish to offer our sincerest condolences for the heartbreak and loss experienced this past year.
Together we can reduce the predicted upcoming surge due to the variant Omicron, by increasing the number of people who get vaccinated, get their booster if they’re already vaccinated, wear their mask in indoor public places, and avoid large gatherings.
COVID-19 Case Information:
TILLAMOOK, Ore. — From December 1st -31st, 256 new cases of COVID-19 were tracked in Tillamook County; over the past 14 days, December 19 – January 01, 118 cases occurred, in 7 days, December 26 – January 01, 91 cases occurred, and over the weekend, December 30 – January 02, 41 cases. Test positivity over the past week was recorded at 18.7%.
In total since March 2020, 2,534 COVID-19 cases have been tracked in Tillamook County, 115 hospitalizations and 51 COVID-19 related deaths. Two new COVID-19 related death occurred this week, please see details here.
Oregon Health Authority Breakthrough Case Report shows that during the week of December 26 – January 01, 2022, statewide, 69.4% of new COVID-19 cases were unvaccinated and 30.6% were vaccine breakthrough cases. The median age of breakthrough cases was 39 years. 26 (0.6%) breakthrough cases were residents of care facilities, senior living communities or other congregate living settings. 592 (12.7%) cases were 65 or older. There were 271 (5.8%) cases aged 12-17.
View more on case tracking in Tillamook County here: https://tillamookchc.org/coronavirus/covid19-case-tracking/
COVID-19 Variant News:
As of Saturday January 01, 2022, Oregon Health Authority Oregon COVID-19 Variant Count shows 16,612 Delta variant cases and 97 Omicron variant cases have been tracked in Oregon and 3,925 Delta and 34 Omicron in Region 1 (Clackamas, Clatsop, Multnomah, Tillamook, and Washington counties).
Tillamook County follows Oregon Health Authority guidance on sequencing positive tests to detect variants. The variant Omicron has not been detected in Tillamook County at this time. When it is, a new release will be made available.
Together we can reduce the predicted upcoming surge from the variant Omicron by increasing the number of people who get vaccinated, get their booster if they’re already vaccinated, wear their mask in indoor public places, and avoid large gatherings. We must double down on following the measures we know will keep us as safe as possible.
OHA Director Patrick Allen shared Oregon’s Omicron Response Plan which included OHA’s 5-point plan to confront the Omicron surge, available on our website and Oregon Health Authority.
OHA is committed to updating on all variants of concern and the variant tracking data is available on OHA’s COVID-19 page. Link to data here.
This information is available in the recent Oregon Vaccine News update on OHA’s website
Testing and Treatment:
If you are feeling sick with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 such as: fever, dry cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, or red eyes, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. COVID-19 testing is available at no cost at our acute care clinic (2111 8th St, Tillamook), Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm (exception closed January 17th), appointments are required, please call 503-842-3900.
Please know that if you test positive for COVID-19, there is safe treatment available in Tillamook County; Monoclonal antibody therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are like your body’s own antibodies as they help your immune system quickly destroy the COVID-19 virus before it harms you or causes hospitalization. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized monoclonal antibody treatment for emergency use for eligible patients. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider right away. Monoclonal antibody treatment must be given as soon as possible within 10 days of getting a symptom. These treatments require a provider referral after a positive COVID-19 test. The treatment is given through a one-time IV infusion. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call our office for a phone visit at 503-842-3900 or contact Adventist Health Tillamook at 503-815-2341.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update:
VACCINATIONS: To date, 18,162 Tillamook County residents have chosen to be vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death from any of the currently identified variants of concern including delta. In Tillamook County, 72% of those eligible for the vaccine (12 and older) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 63% are fully vaccinated in the total Tillamook County community (including those not yet eligible). Oregon Health Authority reports that COVID-19 cases are lower in communities with a total vaccination rate greater than 60%.
Protect yourself and your family this winter with a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 (1st, 2nd or booster dose) vaccine, flu, and pneumonia shot.
Update Vaccine Clinics for January:
- Walk in Clinic at Tillamook County Fairgrounds Convention Center: Thursdays 10am – 6pm. No scheduling required.
- Vaccine by appointment at TCCHC main clinic (801 pacific ave.): Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. Call 503-842-3900 to schedule.
Flu and pneumonia vaccines are a covered benefit for many insurance plans, including Medicare and Oregon Health Plan. COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost. Please bring your insurance card with you. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Age limit varies per vaccine type, visit tillamookchc.org or call 503-842-3900 for more information.
Making a plan to get vaccinated as soon as possible is the best way to protect against COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia.
- Boosters recommend for all 18 years old and older:
- 6 months after completion of the Moderna series.
- 2 month after completion of the single shot Johnson & Johnson.
- Boosters are now recommend for all 12 years old and older:
- 5 months after completion of the Pfizer series.
Individuals eligible for a booster may receive either the same or a different COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose, depending on advice from a health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience.
Please note, Johnson and Johnson is no longer available at the walk-in vaccine.
- Pfizer for Youths 5-11 y.o:
- Pediatric doses of the Pfizer #COVID19 vaccine are now approved for use in Oregon for children ages 5 through 11 and Tillamook County has received the doses! Pediatric COVID-19 doses are available from healthcare provider’s offices, pharmacies, and our walk-in vaccine clinic. Parent/guardian authorization is needed for all youths 5 – 14 years old.
- 3rd Dose of mRNA Vaccines:
- A third dose of Pfizer is authorized for people 5 and older and 3rd dose Moderna is authorized for people 18 and older who are immunocompromised and may not have built up adequate protective immunity with their first series of mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccines. Individuals who meet the criteria listed by the CDC as having moderately to severely compromised immune systems are recommended to get a 3rd dose if they receive their 2nd dose of Moderna or Pfizer at least 28 days ago.
- A 3rd dose is only able to be administered for who it has been authorized for and is not considered a booster. A list of qualifying conditions from the CDC is available on our website.
- If you receive a 3rd dose, you are now recommended to then receive a “booster” six months after your 3rd dose of Pfizer of Moderna.
- A third dose of Pfizer is authorized for people 5 and older and 3rd dose Moderna is authorized for people 18 and older who are immunocompromised and may not have built up adequate protective immunity with their first series of mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccines. Individuals who meet the criteria listed by the CDC as having moderately to severely compromised immune systems are recommended to get a 3rd dose if they receive their 2nd dose of Moderna or Pfizer at least 28 days ago.
Visit our website https://tillamookchc.org/coronavirus/vaccines/ to learn more on where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost in Tillamook County.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions:
- One of the most important actions you can take to reduce spread and protect against hospitalizations and death from COVID-19 is to choose to be fully vaccinated, and if able to, have also received a booster shot.
- In the addition, Tillamook County Public health recommends these safety precautions:
Limit exposure:
- Keep gatherings small, it is recommended to only gather in-person with people in your household. Try a virtual option to add in others.
- If you do choose to gather, with the news of the predicted upcoming surge, be extra mindful of your choices. Consider avoiding contact with others outside of your household 5-7 days prior to your gathering.
- Using COVID-19 home tests before travel or gatherings is recommended by the CDC. To learn more about COVID-19 home tests and what to consider if you choose to use them as part of your gathering or travel preparations see this CDC informational page.
- Avoid sharing utensils, plates, glasses.
- Wash hand frequently and wear a mask indoors when around people outside of your household and maintain 6ft of distance.
- Having a gathering outside is a safer option, though not always feasible on the coast, make sure to increase ventilation if indoors.
- If you are feeling ill, do not attend a gathering.
Travel:
- Traveling by car with members of your household is the safest method of travel. If traveling by air or public transit, remember to always wear a properly fitting mask and avoid eating or drinking, especially in crowded situations, so you don’t have to remove your mask.
Vaccinate:
- If you are not yet vaccinated, choose to make a plan for everyone 5 years and older in your household to be vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are fully vaccinated, choose to receive a booster as soon as you are able to.
About Tillamook County Community Health Centers:
TCCHC has been a Federally Qualified Health Center since 1994, providing medical, dental, behavioral and public health services.
Follow our Facebook @TillamookCHC for daily updates.
Additional Resources:
Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Information: http://healthoregon.org/coronavirus
CDC COVID-19 Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
