COVID-19 cases have been decreasing now for about 4 weeks here in Oregon, with new daily cases finally falling below the height of the delta surge last summer. It’s still too early to declare the end of this era, but at least our hospitals and ERs, and ICUs are seeing some relief. Oregon has now had more than 680,000 reported  COVID-19 cases and more than 6,400 deaths.

Oregon has fully vaccinated close to 2,900.000 people (and another 300,000 partially vaccinated). Health Share continues to lead the way in the percentage of members vaccinated among CCOs with about ¼ million people in our membership vaccinated! Our largest growth in vaccinations is in members ages 5-11. Close to 28% of our members have been boosted in addition. We’ve worked closely with our county and delivery system partners along with community-based organizations in pursuit of equity for our members but we do still see disparities among BIPOC members and in some cases those who do not speak English. We’re thinking hard about what we’ve learned from this pandemic about the inequities in access to health information, services, and treatment, and will continue to listen to these members about what works best for them.

We are eagerly awaiting information regarding COVID vaccinations for our youngest members, although it will be April before we know more according to the FDA.

Be well, get vaccinated, and enjoy Oregon’s spring!