COVID-19 emergencies to end: On May 11, 2023, the federal government plans to end the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies declared in 2020. This decision affects many areas of health care:
- Some workers, including health care workers, still must be vaccinated against COVID-19 under Oregon law
- You can lower your risk of getting COVID or other respiratory viruses by avoiding the three C’s: crowded places, closed spaces and close conversations
- Hillsboro Medical Center is working to understand details and prepare for this shift. We will share more information as it becomes available
- Learn more about what the end of the COVID emergencies will mean
Price change for COVID vaccines and tests
When the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expires on May 11, 2023, COVID vaccines and tests may no longer be free of cost to you. Check with your health plan to see what they cover. Hillsboro Medical Center will bill you for what your insurance doesn’t pay. Vaccines will still be free for Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Locations
Who can get vaccinated?
All people in Oregon age 6 months and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccine locations and appointments
Hillsboro Medical Center
Those 12+ can make an appointment by calling your Hillsboro Medical Center primary care clinic, if you have one. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can start care and set up a vaccine appointment at the same time: Call 503-681-1600.
OHSU Health pharmacies
COVID-19 vaccines are by appointment only at OHSU Health pharmacies, including the OHSU Pharmacy in the 7th Avenue Medical Plaza at 333 SE 7th Avenue in Hillsboro. Appointments can be made by calling the pharmacy where you would like to be vaccinated.
Other locations
Use Vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. Here are some pharmacy sites with walk-in vaccinations and same-day appointments:
COVID Testing Options
COVID testing (though NOT for travel) is offered at Forest Grove Immediate Care. Appointments are required and you must call in advance to schedule.
Please help us care for patients with serious illness by finding an appropriate COVID testing site. Here are additional testing options:
Visitor Policy & Operations
Hillsboro Medical Center is working towards resuming normal operations. Check back to find out what’s changed. We recommend that everyone wear a mask at the hospital.
Visitor policy
Hillsboro Medical Center recognizes that support from friends and family is an important part of healing. In light of the coronavirus, we have made temporary changes to our visitor policy to keep everybody safe.
Here is the current visitor policy:
- Two well visitors at a time for most adults in the hospital and in outpatient clinics; this includes day surgery/procedure area, and if roomed in the emergency department (ED)
- Two well visitors at a time for most pediatric patients in the hospital and outpatient clinics; this includes day surgery/procedure area, and if roomed in the ED
- Support persons for patients with disabilities will continue to be limited to three per day (one at a time). A support person for patients with disabilities is not considered a visitor and, therefore, would be allowed in addition to allowed visitors in the hospital and ED.
Visitors must comply with the following:
Vaccinated or COVID tested: All visitors and support persons will be expected to be vaccinated or have a “not detected” COVID-19 result from a test taken within the previous 72 hours
Symptom screening: All visitors will be screened for the symptoms of COVID-19.
Limit movement in hospital: Visitors are expected to limit their movement around buildings and remain within the patient room. You may be asked to wait at home or outside the building for patients to arrive in their rooms.
In addition, open treatment areas and waiting rooms where physical distancing is not possible may also be restricted. If appropriate distancing cannot be maintained, you may be asked to wait elsewhere.
Patient rights to have support people
People with disabilities can have a support person at their bedside around the clock, in accordance with state law, and will be restricted to three people in a 24-hour period. Only one visitor may be present at bedside at a time.
Elective surgeries and procedures
We are open for all cases.
Classes and events
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, classes and events may be rescheduled for the health and safety of participants and instructors. Please check the Community Education listings regularly to view the status of each class.
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Additional doses, booster shots
What’s the difference between an additional doses and a booster shot?
Additional dose: When someone with a weakened immune system gets an additional dose of vaccine, it is not a booster. It is part of the first series of shots needed for the person to be fully vaccinated. Many people with impaired immunity did not have a full response to their first doses.
Booster shot: An additional dose is a booster when someone had a full response to vaccination, but effectiveness wanes over time. The booster re-energizes their immune response.
General
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the CDC, these symptoms may appear
2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
Is there a vaccine to prevent COVID-19?
Pfizer-BioNTech,
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccines are currently approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.
When should I get medical attention for COVID-19?
If you see
emergency signs, call 911 or your emergency department. They are:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to awaken
- Bluish lips or face
- Other severe symptoms
What should I do if I’m sick with COVID-19?
- Stay home except to get medical care.
- Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.
- Monitor your symptoms.
- Consider an OHSU Health virtual visit.
- If needed, contact your county health department.
- Do not go to any health care facility unless instructed, so you don’t spread the virus.
How do I protect myself from COVID-19?
Get vaccinated: If you are 6 months and over, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. All 3 approved vaccines have been proven safe and effective. Vaccines are highly effective against severe disease and hospitalization.
Wear a mask or face covering: Masks continue to be recommended in crowded spaces and for those who are not vaccinated or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Wash your hands often: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid close contact: Stay at least 6 feet from other people.
Cover coughs and sneezes: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw the tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Where to learn more
We’ve compiled a list of helpful links to keep you informed about COVID-19.
COVID-19 information
Community Resources
- Call 211 from a mobile phone.
- Call 503-222-5555 from a landline.
- Email help@211.com for general information.
FAQ
503-6