GCHD reports 8th COVID death; announces 3rd vaccine availability

By Logan Bagett on Monday, August 30th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

JOHN DAY – (Release from GCHD regarding latest COVID-19 death )

The Grant County Health Department is saddened to report the eighth COVID-19 related death of an individual who resided in Grant County. The individual died on August 28^th and was a 64 year-old female with no known underlying medical conditions. She died at St. Charles Medical Center. We encourage everyone to be respectful as a family in our community grieves.

This death will show up on the OHA COVID database sometime between today and early next week.

We continue to encourage all residents to take the following precautions.

Wear a mask indoors and wear a mask outdoors if 6 feet of distancing cannot be maintained.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Stay home if you feel ill.

After someone contracts COVID-19, if they develop symptoms, they will usually appear within 14 days. Symptoms include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

We would urge those who present with these symptoms to call 211 or the Grant County Health Department at 541-575-0429.

(Release from GCHD regarding 3rd vaccine appointment)

The Grant County Health Department (GCHD), Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic and Len’s Pharmacy are pleased to announce that we are scheduling appointments for eligible immunocompromised individuals to receive a 3^rd COVID-19 vaccine. This does not apply to individuals who previously received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. It does apply to individuals who received either Moderna or Pfizer.

Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:

Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

This additional dose can be given 28 days after the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer. To receive this dose, individuals will need to provide documentation from their health care provider that they are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Although CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other population at this time, Health and Human Services has announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall. CDC’s independent advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, will continue to meet and discuss data on the evolution of the pandemic and the use of COVID-19 vaccines. They will make further recommendations on the use of boosters for the public after a thorough review of the evidence.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the following providers:

Grant County Health Department: If at all possible, please send an email to vaccine@ccsemail.org requesting an appointment. If needed, you may call 541-575-0429.

Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic: 541-575-0404

Len’s Pharmacy: 541-575-0628