Jackson County Public Health reports 53 new COVID-19 cases as of 12:01 am on January 15, 2021. Additionally, 3 previously reported cases have been removed, and 1 case was added that had previous reporting dates to the total number of COVID-19 cases in Jackson County. These updates bring the total COVID-19 cases to 6,809.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Region 5 (Jackson and Josephine Counties) is 38. There are 13 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity. More information about hospital capacity can be found here.
For additional information, visit the Jackson County COVID-19 Data Dashboard at Situation in Jackson County, Oregon webpage. The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard website does publish Jackson County COVID-19 data.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
On January 12, 2021, Governor Brown announced that Oregon would be expanding COVID-19 vaccination to all individuals age 65 and older, as well as educators. It was said that the vaccine would be available starting January 23, 2021, but that this was reliant on how much vaccine the federal government supplied Oregon. Last night Oregon received news that the state will not be receiving the increased shipment of vaccines from the federal government, as there is no federal reserve of doses.
We understand how frustrating and confusing it has been for people who fall into the newly expanded groups to hear this news. Jackson County Public Health knows how important it is for educators and people over 65 to receive this vaccine. We are continuing to work on this issue and advocate for these groups to access the vaccine soon.
The medical community in Jackson County understands how vital getting vaccinated is to protect the community's health, our loved ones, and help our community recover. We are all working hard to coordinate the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and are moving as fast as possible to increase the number of vaccinations most effectively and safely.
Jackson County Vaccination Event
Jackson County, Asante, the National Guard, and other medical partners are collaborating to host a drive-through vaccination event for Jackson County residents in Phase 1A, at the Jackson County Expo on January 21, 22, 23. Asante is developing an online process for people in Phase 1A who qualify for the vaccine; the site will be live at Asante.org on January 18. Through Asante’s online tool, there is information on vaccination protocols and the necessary paperwork to be completed in advance of getting vaccinated.
People who are in quarantine, who have an active COVID-19 vaccine, or pregnant should not attend this vaccination clinic for those in Phase 1A. If you have a risk of having a severe reaction to the vaccine, we recommend you schedule an appointment with one of the following COVID-19 vaccine providers listed below.
Currently, the vaccine is available to those in Phase 1A. It is highly recommended that if you fall into this phase that you access the vaccine through these providers as soon as possible.
La Clinica, Rogue Community Health, and Mercy Flights are collaborating directly with organizations in Phase 1A to provide the vaccine. They are developing and expanding their process and capacity to vaccinate others in Phase 1A.
Information is rapidly changing; it is best to check the Jackson County COVID-19 Vaccine website for updated information.
Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Vaccination is the best way to keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy.
- COVID-19 vaccines are more than 94% effective and have undergone rigorous safety testing.
- Vaccination gives us hope that the pandemic will end. Still, in the meantime, we need to continue safety measures to keep the virus from spreading: Wear a mask, physically distance from others, wash your hands, avoid gatherings, and stay home when you’re sick.
Clinical studies showed both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to be more than 94% effective when both doses are received. Neither vaccine showed serious safety issues and protected people from getting COVID-19 and from getting seriously ill if they did get the virus.
These vaccines were tested in large clinical trials and research studies with tens of thousands of people to make sure they met the safety standards. In fact, both vaccines were tested in many more people than a typical vaccine trail. Many people were recruited to participate in these trials to see how the vaccine offers protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions. Every study, every phase and every trial was reviewed by the FDA and a safety board. COVID-19 safety and effectiveness.
Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. Common side effects include your arm may become sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week. Some people report getting a headache or fever when getting the vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection against the disease.
Should people who have recovered from COVID-19 get vaccinated?
Unfortunately, re-infection is possible with COVID-19. Therefore, even if you have already had the virus and recovered, you may still be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to persons regardless of a history of COVID-19 infection, with or without symptoms. They don’t recommend testing to check for prior infection when deciding to get the vaccine. Natural immunity, which is gained from having the infection, varies from person to person. It is still unknown how long natural immunity lasts, though some evidence already indicates that it is not for an extensive period of time.
For more information:
###