Blog Layout
Oregon Health Authority Update for Covid Vaccine
Hello everyone,
This past week was confusing as related to the availability of the Covid vaccine. I do believe that the state and local public health authorities are working very hard to do their best, but being told one thing and then another, well, think how difficult that would be in your own job, or family schedule! Here is some communication from the Oregon Health Authority:
Oregon shifts vaccination plan in light of new information about supply
Earlier this week, OHA updated its vaccination plan after being informed by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar that the federal government would be releasing its entire supply of COVID-19 vaccines to states.
Yesterday, Oregon received the news that the federal reserve of vaccines that Oregon and other states expected to receive
does not exist. OHA is updating Oregon’s vaccination plan considering this new information.
Governor Brown said, “I remain committed to vaccinating our seniors quickly. But this latest news will unfortunately cause a two-week delay in beginning vaccinations for seniors.”
The new plan depends on Oregon receiving a reliable supply of doses from the federal government.
The current plan is:
- Starting the week of Jan. 25, begin vaccinating teachers and childcare providers.
- Starting Feb. 8. Begin vaccinating the first of four “waves” of seniors.
- Wave 1: Seniors 80 and older.
- Wave 2: Seniors who are 75 and older would follow.
- Wave 3: Seniors who are 70 and older would follow next.
- Wave 4: Eligibility to all Oregonians 65 and older would follow in the weeks after.
In addition, it’s not just important to offer more options to get vaccinated, we want you to know when, where and how you can get immunized. Today on our website, you will find a new personalized, interactive guide that tells you:
- If you’re eligible to get a vaccine, based on your age and occupation.
- Where you can get information about a vaccine, based on your local county resources.
- Where you can get the facts about vaccines and answers to your vaccination questions.
Watch a recording of the press conference.
In the meantime:
Avoid the Three Cs:
- Closed spaces with poor ventilation
- Crowded places
- Close contact situation
Continue the Three Ws:
- Wear your mask (or shield)
- Watch your distance
- Wash your hands
Sound repetitive, I know. Please think of it as loving/caring for/respecting one another. I wear my mask to protect you. Because I care about you!
Dr. Powell
P.S. I received my first vaccine injection last week. It hurt about as much as getting a flu shot, my arm was sore that night but it was gone the next day, and the following day I was tired, had a mild headache and a 99.8 temperature (these side effects mean the vaccine was getting to work building an army of antibodies to protect me!). Third day I felt fine. Just thought a personal account might ease your mind.
Hello AFM family, This week I thought I would share some information I found about how to live a more healthy life. Spring is just around the corner, often a good time to make some positive changes in our lifestyles! Life's Simple 7 is defined by the American Heart Association as the 7 risk factors that people can improve through lifestyle changes to help achieve ideal cardiovascular health. Manage Blood Pressure High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. Control Cholesterol High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages. Reduce Blood Sugar Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Get Active Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life. Eat Better A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy – for life! Lose Weight When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of active living, you lower your blood pressure and you help yourself feel better, too. Stop Smoking Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. Start with one or two. This simple, seven step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have--to live a long, productive healthy life. Enjoy some sunshine this week (and increase your vitamin D naturally!). Dr. Powell
Hello AFM family, I am sharing this video with you as it explains Direct Primary Care in today's healthcare world. Take a look! Dr. Powell
Hello AFM family, There are many people sick with the Omicron variant in our community right now. Many will have mild symptoms, but some unfortunately will be more severe. Immunization is the best strategy to protect yourself and others in your home and community, along with masking and isolation if you have symptoms, but now there are some treatment options: Paxlovid has been shown to reduce the chance of hospitalization and death by 89% in high-risk Covid OUTPATIENTS with mild to moderate symptoms who do not require oxygen or have an oxygen requirement above their baseline if already on oxygen. Paxlovid must be prescribed in the first 5 days of symptoms. Prescriptions can be picked up at Asante pharmacies in Grants Pass and Medford (patients call upon arrival and pharmacy techs will deliver the prescription to the patient in their vehicle). Due to currently limited supply, paxlovid is only available to certain categories of individuals (such as the unvaccinated 65 or older or under 65 with concerning risk factors, or vaccinated 75 or older or 65 and older with risk factors). Immunocompromised patients are a higher priority than everyone else. This will change (become more available, perhaps become like the medication given for influenza) as more supply becomes available. There are potential interactions with many commonly prescribed and over-the-counter drugs including opiates, some blood pressure medications and statins, bupropion, trazodone, colchicine, birth control pills, warfarin and St. John’s wort. Sotrovimab is the only monoclonal antibody approved treatment for the Omicron variant which is mostly what we have in Southern Oregon right now. Patients who qualify have: Positive Covid-19 test Be within 10 days of symptom onset Be at least 12 years old Weigh at least 40kg Not be hospitalized Not require oxygen or more oxygen than baseline Be at high risk for progressing to severe disease FREE N95 MASKS! These are better than cloth or even the blue surgical masks. 1. N95 mask availability in the community 1. The same pharmacies that participate in the COVID-19 Retail Pharmacy Vaccine program should also have N95s available soon/already. For a list of these pharmacies visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/participating-pharmacies.html 2. In addition, some HRSA funded sites will have them as well. Siskiyou Community Health is on this list, but they do not have the supplies on site at this time. Let’s all take care of each other! Please contact me with any questions and remember I still have vaccine clinics Mondays and Wednesdays, free, open to the public, no waiting in line. Dr. Powell
Hello Access Family Medicine family, I know there has been a lot of changes to recommendations regarding vaccines, isolation, quarantine, etc. I heard one statement recently that expressed it's not that the scientists change things, it's that the virus changes. So we have to change the rules to keep up with it, that unfriendly little bug....! Below are the current recommendations regarding isolation (if you have symptoms or have a positive Covid test) and quarantine (if you have been exposed). One item to note is that if you have any symptoms (seems like a cold, or allergies, or even fatigue and GI symptoms), you should isolate. Even if it's not Covid, it would be polite not to give whatever you've come down with to someone else! If you are not seriously ill, as tests can be in short supply, testing might not be necessary. Many who are eligible for boosters in Josephine County haven't received them yet. Latest studies show boosters are pretty effective against death and hospitalization with Omicron, so it's worth it. Vaccine clinics at my office are Mondays 9-12 and 3-5 and Wednesdays 1-5, walk-ins welcome, free to everyone. Take care of yourselves and each other! Dr. Powell
Hello Access Family Medicine family, Here are the current recommendations regarding immunizations, exposure, and if you test positive (note that boosters are now recommended at 5 not 6 months after your second vaccine dose). Please feel free to keep this on hand for if/when you get sick and share with others. FYI KF94 masks are now recommended above cloth masks to protect yourself. As an example, if both people are wearing cloth masks, transmission for a sick (even asymptomatic) to well person occurs in probably 20 minutes. If both are wearing surgical (the paper looking) masks, that time is probably 40 minutes. KF94's are better than surgical masks. ******As Omicron COVID-19 cases increase, one of the ways we slow the spread is to stay home and away from other people for five days when we test positive, have symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19, and wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days. If you are up to date on your vaccines you do not need to stay at home or miss work if you have been exposed, but you must wear a proper mask around others for 10 days.***** Here are some definitions to keep in mind: Up to date on vaccinations – You have received a booster or received your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna within the past five months or received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson within the past two months. Not up to date on vaccinations – It’s been more than five months since you completed your initial Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series or more than two months since you received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson or you are not vaccinated. Exposure – Being in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period) with a person who has recently tested positive for COVID-19. Symptoms – COVID-19 symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Common questions: -- What if I test positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms? Stay at home and away from others for five days regardless of vaccination status. If you have no symptoms, or your symptoms are resolved after five days, you can leave your home. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional five days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until it goes away. -- What if I am up to date on vaccinations and was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms? Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days. Test on day five, if possible. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home. -- What if I am not up to date on vaccinations and was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms? Stay home for five days. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days. If you are not able to stay at home, you must wear a well-fitting mask around other people for 10 days. Test on the fifth day after exposure. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home. -- What can we do to protect everyone in the home when someone is exposed to, or infected with, COVID-19? People in isolation should stay separate from the rest of the household as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all members of the household wear well-fitting masks during the stay-at-home period. If possible, one person should provide care to the person who is, or may be, infected to limit the exposure and best protect everyone in the home. All types of vaccines are available at the office to anyone in the community, with little wait time and no standing around other potentially sick folks. Scheduling is through the call center, 541-916-7030 (ask to schedule with Access Family Medicine). It's been a long haul, but let's get through this winter healthy! Dr. Powell
Hello Access Family Medicine family, On Monday, Dec. 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance regarding the isolation period for people who contract COVID-19 if they are asymptomatic. The CDC now recommends "people with COVID-19 isolate for 5 days if they do not show symptoms after a positive test result (or if their symptoms are resolving and they have been without fever for 24 hours). Individuals should follow this isolation period with 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. Dr. Powell
Hello Access Family Medicine family, Access Family Medicine was featured in Sneak Preview, a local publication, in March 2021. I'd like to share the article with you below. Sneak preview is a Southern Oregon free monthly newspaper that is a good source of local news and a profitable way to advertise your business. Dr. Powell
Hello Access Family Medicine family, Oregon Health Authority has Fast Facts regarding the Covid-19 booster for adults 18+. Below is helpful information from OHA for you and your loved ones. Dr. Powell
Hello Access Family Medicine family, Pediatric Covid 19 vaccines have raised some controversy everywhere. Below is some scientific information that may help you decide if you have children ages 5-11 or please share with someone you know who needs to make the decision. UNBIASED SCIENCE PODCAST: Tragically, 645 children have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. putting it as one of the top 10 causes of death for children ages 5-11. But death isn’t the only possible outcome of the infection. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 8,300 kids have been hospitalized with COVID-19, and even among those who only had a mild initial illness, many experience long-term symptoms such as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, ‘brain fog’ causing memory loss or difficulty concentrating, sleep disorders, unexplained fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, and depression. To avoid exposing your little ones to these long-term effects, we strongly suggest you get them vaccinated. The currently available vaccines are safe and highly effective. In the clinical trials, which included over 3,000 kids ages 5-11, there were no serious adverse events associated with the vaccine, including myocarditis or anaphylaxis. These trials found that the vaccine was 90.7% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and concluded that the most common reactions were pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. The benefits of the vaccines far outweigh the risks. Multiple analyses have been conducted to predict the outcomes of various scenarios. The overarching results show that the number of clinically significant COVID-related outcomes prevented by the vaccine clearly outweigh the number of vaccine-associated excess myocarditis cases. Children contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and getting them vaccinated will slow the virus transmission. This will protect children as well as all other at-risk populations. Finally, getting our kids vaccinated could mean the safe return to schooling with the gradual relaxation of other mitigation measures, such as masking. Please do not minimize the impact of COVID-19 on children. We have a safe and highly effective preventive tool that makes ANY future child death completely unacceptable. Further, comparing child mortality due to COVI9 to mortality due to other causes is [not helpful]. If we had a safe and effective vaccine for all causes of child mortality, we would likely recommend that as well. Blessings! Dr. Powell Sources: https://www.statnews.com/2021/10/23/fda-scientists-say-benefits-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-clearly-outweigh-the-risks-for-children-ages-5-to-11/?fbclid=IwAR0EEuIyvMfBV7Ar35ROUDTHqD75EXGmeHpYt8OQzqgMkP_yYADZAzcYCo0 https://www.fda.gov/media/153447/download?fbclid=IwAR2MgKPOYepwwjSmjAzcuecQlCd3Kk4VxO7FzCLHxSpNhK3IzuQy8KD2pz0 https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/10/26/fda-pfizer-covid-vaccine-children-102621?fbclid=IwAR0MMiRXCUja6TPWgECj0DQdSbD-XrkX5daIhJo_AA9n3iOAuP0SbPdtgBM https://www.chla.org/blog/covid-19/long-covid-kids-path-recovery?fbclid=IwAR2BTeiKpqRK6k49hKDgmLmfUSDGvSq2PKZ7PKDIKeKIP0Uz3sPIkLbApAA https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/05/health/us-coronavirus-tuesday/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1VrJPzDqUu7UwBpJuSnv3TiBmJn05xcNYVI0-YHhUxi-PVrtD-TBoidos https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2021/10/08/covid-19-kids-cases-hospitalizations-deaths/8361479002/?fbclid=IwAR2GzPECP9aNp9Pe9FKUVYpj5S9LbL45gxSm5zE1xJSlLn_DNao6lkyjE4E https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/10/19/children-mental-health-national-emergency-101921?fbclid=IwAR0hENc6zY4EUNqkKkEFIMo1oV_Bsb7WGuTumyMxcPcAV3Upyvlcw6pbmjI
Hello Access Family Medicine family! Happy Autumn! Cool weather, pretty fall leaves and soon, lots of rain to put those fires out. This is the time of year that many businesses and individuals are choosing their health care options for next year. If you know of anyone you think Access Family Medicine could help, please pass on my information. Referrals from trusted sources are the best! Vaccine and Covid info: If you get sick from Covid, I have monoclonal antibody treatment available in the office. You have to have a positive test and be in the beginning of the illness to qualify. This can save you from getting worse or being hospitalized. For members of AFM, the treatment will be free. We're still waiting for approval for the Moderna boosters. I have the vaccines and am ready to go as soon as the state of Oregon gives permission. I anticipate that being next week. I will have weekday and Saturday morning appointments available to you and the public. Please call 541-916-7030 (the Josephine County Call Center) to schedule. I also have Pfizer and J&J for whatever folks need. Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines can be given simultaneously. I have flu and tetanus shots for those who are interested, at less cost than you could get at the pharmacy. Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5-11 could start as soon as the first week in November. Through Sept. 27, there were more than 125,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnant individuals including more than 22,000 hospitalized and 161 deaths. Twenty-two of the deaths occurred in August alone. Those who are pregnant and get COVID-19 have a two-fold risk of being admitted into intensive care; and a 70% increased risk of death. They are also at an increased risk of delivering their newborn prematurely, stillbirth, and of their child becoming infected with COVID-19, requiring admission into intensive care Covid 19 cases and hospitalizations have decreased, but to put it in perspective, the level is now what it was at last winter's peak. So it's still out there. Fully vaccinated people can still get breakthrough cases, but the incidence of dying if fully vaccinated is around 1%. The vaccines are working! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued advisories indicating that ivermectin is not authorized or approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization, and Merck (the manufacturer of the drug) all state there is insufficient evidence to support the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19. The Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients with COVID-19 also recommend against the use of ivermectin outside of a clinical trial. HERE ARE SOME OTHER MEDICAL TOPICS OF INTEREST: Patients with type 2 diabetes who took oral vitamin D3 supplements for six months experienced a reduction in A1C level, compared with those who didn't take the supplements. Walk With Ease (WWE) is an exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk With Ease! Get moving! Search for an in-person or virtual class: https://www.compasshp.org/workshops/ Availability will depend on county risk levels and all classes will adhere to OHA guidelines. Please also consider joining the self-directed program to help you stay active at home. Stay active at home Take this simple walking program at your own pace! You can register online for a self-directed program. https://info.pace.oregonstate.edu/walk In Oregon, the ScreenWise Program works with a network of providers that offer breast, cervical and hereditary cancer screening services for uninsured and underinsured patients. Covered services are offered at no cost to the patient. ScreenWise was created to help reduce cancer burden and health inequities across the state. Follow the link to read more about mammograms and breast cancer screenings. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/WOMEN/HEALTHSCREENING/Pages/index.aspx While it is rare, men can also have breast cancer. To learn more visit the CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/men/index.htm And lastly: A New Oregon Coast Restaurant Is A Harry Potter Themed Delight. The newly-opened restaurant The Cheeky Cauldron is a Hagrid-sized reason you need to check out Lincoln City Oregon. This is one of the best possible ways to kick off the spooky season in Oregon! Blessings! Dr. Powell
Hello AFM family, This week I thought I would share some information I found about how to live a more healthy life. Spring is just around the corner, often a good time to make some positive changes in our lifestyles! Life's Simple 7 is defined by the American Heart Association as the 7 risk factors that people can improve through lifestyle changes to help achieve ideal cardiovascular health. Manage Blood Pressure High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. Control Cholesterol High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages. Reduce Blood Sugar Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Get Active Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life. Eat Better A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy – for life! Lose Weight When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of active living, you lower your blood pressure and you help yourself feel better, too. Stop Smoking Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. Start with one or two. This simple, seven step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have--to live a long, productive healthy life. Enjoy some sunshine this week (and increase your vitamin D naturally!). Dr. Powell
