Clackamas County Vaccination Distribution Update
Clackamas County continues to administer the Moderna vaccine to high-risk health care workers, first responders and other individuals identified in the stated Phase 1a priority groups established by the Oregon Health Authority’s guidance.
- Group 1: High-risk workers in health care facilities and first responders such as 911 operators, law-enforcement, and fire fighters.
- Group 2: Long-term care facilities and congregate sites such as correctional facilities along with mobile crisis care and related services and hospice programs.
- Group 3: Outpatient settings serving specific high-risk groups; in home day care; day treatments; non-emergency medical transport.
- Group 4: Health care workers in outpatient settings such as dentists and optometrists along with public health and early learning settings and death care workers.
Oregon Adjusting COVID-19 Vaccination Sequencing Based on New CDC Guidance
Following yesterday’s updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Kate Brown announced that Oregon will be expanding COVID-19 vaccination to include all individuals age 65 and older. However, this change will not happen immediately.
The federal government announced it would be releasing its full reserve of vaccines available to states, rather than holding some doses in storage. Vaccination of Oregon seniors, as well as child care providers and early learning and K-12 educators and staff, is scheduled to start on January 23, when additional vaccine shipments are expected to begin arriving from the federal government. Oregon Health Authority will provide additional information in the coming days, as it becomes available.
Learn About Federal Updates to Unemployment
The State of Oregon Employment Department (OED) is moving quickly to make changes based on the federal relief programs recently passed by Congress. Right now, they are waiting for rules and instructions from the U.S. Department of Labor in order to implement programming changes. That information is needed so they can get the benefits out the door as soon as possible. In the meantime, you do not need to call with your questions.
Keep claiming your weekly benefits, no matter what program you are in. You can sign up for the email list to get important benefit information and announcements. Learn more at the OED website.
Seasonal Affective Disorder And The Pandemic
Dark winter days can make us feel down, unmotivated and sluggish. Those low, gray skies sap our energy and enthusiasm. In about one person in 20, these feelings can be symptoms of seasonal depression, called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Many more people get the winter blues, a milder version of SAD.
This winter, with many of us feeling added stress and anxiety from the pandemic, brighter days might seem very far away. If managing your mental and emotional health this winter feels like more of a challenge, you are not alone. Find mental and emotional health supports on the Safe + Strong website. You could also try these suggestions to manage SAD this winter:
- Set a daily routine and stick to it. Getting up and going to bed at consistent times helps regulate your sleep.
- Take a daily walk, preferably just after sunrise. Exercise and outdoor light can boost your spirits.
- Connect with other people, by phone, or on physically distanced walks.
Talk to your healthcare provider about lightbox therapy and other treatments that could work for you.
