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Public health director reports downward COVID hospitalizations, urges updated fall vaccines and RSV precautions
Summary
Interim public health director Sarah Hartstein told the Benton County Board the week ending Oct. 8 saw 158 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Oregon and Benton County reported a 6.2% uptake of the updated fall COVID vaccine as of Oct. 14; she recommended vaccination, testing and staying home 24 hours after fever resolves.
CORVALLIS — Benton County interim public health director Sarah Hartstein briefed the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 15 about the county’s fall respiratory-season outlook, reporting declines in COVID-19 hospitalizations and urging uptake of updated vaccines.
Hartstein said the week ending Oct. 8 showed 158 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Oregon, down from 233 on Aug. 5, and that wastewater data is also declining. “We’re seeing just an overall downward trend at the moment for COVID-19 hospitalizations,” she said.
She reported Benton County’s uptake of the updated fall COVID vaccine was 6.2% as of Oct. 14 and that the updated vaccine is recommended for people 6 months and older (one shot for most age groups; some under-5 dosing differs). Hartstein also highlighted that RSV vaccination is recommended for adults 60–74 at increased risk and all adults 75 and older, and that an RSV antibody is available for infants after birth.
On preventive behavior, Hartstein reiterated CDC guidance that simplifies respiratory-virus recommendations and emphasized vaccination, handwashing, good indoor airflow and staying home 24 hours after fever resolution. “If someone is ill, seek treatment, and stay at home to prevent the spread,” she said.
Board members asked no follow-up questions and thanked Hartstein for the update. Staff noted hiring activity in communicable disease and immunization roles to boost local public-health capacity.
