NOTE: This page was last updated 4/3/2024.

COVID is expected to remain a public health concern indefinitely, though it is no longer considered a pandemic or the high level of threat to the general community that it once was. However, like the flu, it can be deadly to some people, particularly to vulnerable populations. Because of this, Oregon Medical Group continues to recommend you:

  • Get the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters.

  • All people ages 65 years and older should receive 1 additional dose of any updated (2023 - 2024 Formula) COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Have your eligible children vaccinated against COVID-19.

  • Stay home if you feel sick or that you are getting sick.

  • Use COVID testing before traveling or visiting with those who are particularly vulnerable.

  • Continue to mask if you aren’t feeling well, and follow all safety guidelines. Vaccination prevents deadly cases of COVID and if you are vaccinated you may not experience symptoms. However, vaccination does not prevent you from getting COVID and we regularly witness ‘breakthrough cases’.

What’s Happening at Oregon Medical Group:

  • Appointments are required at all clinics. There are no walk-in clinics.

  • Patients may be able to receive their vaccine during an appointment for a well check or other health issue. You can also go to vaccines.gov to find pharmacies offering the vaccine near you.

What to Do If You Think You May Have COVID or Were Exposed to COVID:

  • For more information, visit Lane County Public Health’s website, here.

General Vaccine Information

  • Yes. Oregon Medical Group recommends that anyone who is eligible for vaccination receives the vaccine. If you have a condition that you would like to discuss before vaccination, we encourage you to call your primary care provider. You can also visit the CDC page that discusses those with underlying conditions, vaccine trials and related topics here.

  • Click on any of the organizations below to view their website and COVID-19 vaccine information:

    Center for Disease Control (CDC)

    Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Oregon Health Authority (OHA) COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

    Lane County Public Health

    Governor Kate Brown’s Office

  • Any COVID-19 vaccine must be proven safe and effective in clinical trials with tens of thousands of people before obtaining approval. There are multiple steps in the approval process, involving independent scientific, regulatory and public health review.

    The vaccine study participants include people from communities of color and/or age >60 and represents a good portion of the US adult population with good efficacy and safety profile for all groups.

    The National Medical Association, an African-American physicians group, has issued a statement of confidence in the testing of COVID-19 vaccines. Ten percent of people in the vaccine tests were Black. Effectiveness and safety were seen in people of all ages, gender, race and ethnicity.

  • In order to get the full protection from the vaccines, it will take two weeks after the second dose (Moderna and Pfizer) or after the single vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).