Gov. Kate Brown, left, and Salem Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ralph A. Yates speak to members of the media after Brown received a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine at Salem Health Edgewater Clinic in Salem, Ore., on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021.
Brian Hayes
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown received her COVID-19 booster shot Tuesday, and a flu shot for good measure.
Brown received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in March, along with a handful of other governors, as many states were trying to boost confidence in the one-dose shot.
More recent research published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown the Johnson & Johnson shot is the least effective of the three vaccines available in the United States, though it still reduces hospitalizations from COVID-19 by about 70%.
The CDC is recommending a booster dose for everyone 18 and up who got the Johnson & Johnson shot at least two months ago.
People can choose which shot they prefer as a booster, and Brown opted for Moderna for her second dose. She’s urging eligible Oregonians to get their boosters and to receive a flu shot at the same time, as she did.
“When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, it’s quick and easy to get your flu shot, too. You can help prevent the flu from spreading in your community, and help our doctors, nurses, and health care workers to preserve resources to treat COVID-19 patients,” she said in a statement issued to the press.
The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has fallen dramatically since September, but it’s still about five times higher than before the delta variant hit Oregon. More than 500 people are currently hospitalized in Oregon due to COVID-19, and about 5% of all emergency room visits statewide are for COVID-19-like illness.
The CDC’s recommendation on eligibility for booster shots for people who earlier received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines is different. Check their website.