Oregon's COVID Vaccine Rates Plummet 21%—What This Shocking Drop Means for Your Safety!

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, over a million Oregonians are expected to travel, but there's a concerning trend regarding vaccination rates against COVID-19 and influenza in the state. The Oregon Health Authority has reported that only about 9% of Oregonians—approximately 360,000 individuals—have received this season's COVID-19 vaccine. This figure represents a significant decline of 21% compared to last year's vaccination rates at this time.

In contrast, the uptake of the influenza vaccine is somewhat higher, with around 1 million Oregonians having received this year’s flu shot. However, this number still falls short by about 5% when compared to vaccination rates from the previous year. This decline in immunization rates is part of a troubling trend that has persisted over the last five years, according to Howard Chiou, the Medical Director for Communicable Disease and Immunization at the Oregon Health Authority.

“What’s worrying for me is that for both flu and COVID, there’s been this really steady decline every year in vaccination rates since 2020,” Chiou stated. “And it’s really unfortunate because both flu and COVID can and do cause severe disease, and the vaccine is still really the best way to protect yourself and the people around you.”

While Chiou acknowledged the lack of comprehensive data on the decision-making processes of those opting out of vaccination, he noted that immunization rates were significantly higher during the peak of the pandemic when the fear of severe illness was more immediate. "Without understanding the reasons behind the decline, it's hard to pinpoint why fewer people are getting vaccinated," he said.

The guidelines for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine have also changed. Initially, it was recommended for everyone aged six months and older, but the current recommendations have narrowed to focus on individuals aged 65 and older and those with specific risk factors. The West Coast Health Alliance, a coalition that includes Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii, advises that anyone aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, and those with risk factors should get the vaccine. They also encourage anyone outside these categories who wishes to be vaccinated to do so.

As for the current respiratory virus season, Chiou indicated that it remains too early to determine its severity. “I don’t suggest to people to wait to find out before getting the vaccine because there can often be delays before we get that kind of signal, and by then the virus is already spreading,” he emphasized.

Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the flu virus may be spreading more rapidly in some areas of the country, as reported by the New York Times. In Oregon specifically, between October 1 and November 15, 25 individuals were hospitalized due to the flu in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

In light of these developments, Chiou encouraged anyone seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine to visit the Oregon Health Authority website and consult their healthcare providers about vaccination options. As families prepare for gatherings during the Thanksgiving holiday, the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated for personal health and community safety.