Benton County raised to CDC’s medium COVID-19 Community Risk Level
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have moved Benton County’s
Community Risk Level to “medium”. This change is due to the rising count of new COVID-19 cases, which was over 200 during the week of April 17-23. The CDC medium category is yellow, like a traffic light, to signal caution. Individuals are encouraged to slow down, assess activities, and consider additional protective measures at this time.
The CDC
recommends that individuals in a “medium” risk community stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible, and follow proper isolation guidelines including getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, the Benton County Health Department recommends that everyone assess their individual risk when deciding what precautions to take. Vaccination, wearing a mask, and being selective about your activities are just some of the ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from infection. For more information, check out our
COVID-19 Community Reference.
Second COVID-19 booster available for some individuals
The CDC and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have updated their recommendations to allow people ages 50 or older and immunocompromised individuals ages 12 and older to be eligible for another booster of an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine. The second booster can be administered at least 4 months after the initial booster.
In addition, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations including those who are elderly or over the age of 50 with underlying health conditions, and allows them to seek an additional booster dose to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. Please speak with your medical provider if you are unsure if an additional booster dose is the right choice for you.