503-6Hillsboro Medical Center is actively working to care for patients and protecting people from COVID-19.
Updated Nov. 30, 2021
Omicron variant
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant named Omicron. No cases of this variant have been identified in the U.S. to date.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Locations
All people in Oregon age 5 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Adults 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.
You will need an appointment for our upcoming patient vaccine clinics.
OHSU Health pharmacies
COVID-19 vaccines are by appointment only at OHSU Health pharmacies, including the one in the Tuality 7th Ave. 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 locationsThe Oregon COVID-19 Vaccine Spotter tool will help you look for appointments at Oregon pharmacies. Here are some pharmacy sites with walk-in vaccinations and same-day appointments:
OHSU Health is currently providing vaccinations for children at our Doernbecher Children’s Hospital clinics and at the Portland Expo Center drive-through site. Find out how to make an appointment.
Reach the OHSU call center at 833-OHSU-CCC (833-647-8222), weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COVID Testing Options
COVID testing (though NOT for travel) is offered at South Hillsboro and Forest Grove Immediate Care and OHSU Beaverton Immediate Care. Appointments are required and you must call in advance to schedule.
You can find a testing location near you by going to the OHA test site finder or calling 211.
Visitor Policy & Operations
Hillsboro Medical Center is working towards resuming normal operations. Check back weekly to find out what’s changed. Everyone is required to wear a mask at the hospital. You must clean your hands once entering the building and stay 6 feet apart from others.
Hillsboro Medical Center recognizes that support from friends and family is an important part of healing, and the decision to restrict visitors reflects the gravity of the current phase of the pandemic. The highly infectious delta variant is driving a dramatic spike in cases throughout the region.
Here is the current visitor policy:
- One well visitor per day 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 per day 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
Mask requirements: Everyone age 2 and older must wear a mask in the hospital. The following are acceptable masks:
Download what masks are acceptable and unacceptable for patients, staff and visitors (PDF) »
Symptom screening: All visitors will be screened for the symptoms of COVID-19 and obtain a visitor sticker. Visitors should display their screening sticker in a visible location at all times while in the hospital.
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.
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.
- Immediate Care: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Virtual visits are also available.
- Rehabilitation in Hillsboro: 6:15 a.m. – 7 p.m., M-Th; closes at 6 p.m. on Friday
- Rehabilitation in Forest Grove: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. M, W, Th, F; 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tues.
- Primary care clinics have hours listed on their web pages. Virtual visits are also available.
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
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.
See our booster shot fact sheet. You qualify for a booster shot if you are 18 and older and:
- You completed Johnson & Johnson vaccination at least two months ago OR
- You completed Pfizer or Moderna vaccination at least six months ago.
Mixing and matching is allowed.
It’s important to know that for most people, COVID-19 vaccines are doing an excellent job of preventing severe illness or death from COVID-19. The virus is spreading and causing a crisis mostly because of unvaccinated people, not people who haven’t had boosters.
OHSU Health does NOT recommend ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Merck, the maker of ivermectin, warns against using it for COVID-19. In addition, the FDA and National Institutes of Health have not endorsed using it for COVID-19. Clinical trials (tests on people) have not shown that it’s effective for COVID-19.
Ivermectin is approved for use in people and some animals to treat some parasites. Humans should never take medications meant for animals. Taking ivermectin in any unapproved way could also cause serious harm.
Delta Variant
The delta variant is a newer form of the coronavirus. Viruses change (mutate) over time. A new form is called a variant.
The delta variant spreads much more easily than previous forms of the coronavirus. Delta is about as contagious as chickenpox, the CDC says.
COVID-19 cases are surging.
In late June, the U.S. saw days with fewer than 10,000 new cases. In early August, daily counts were eight times that. Oregon has also seen cases multiply. Hospitals are seeing spikes in COVID patients.
Vaccinated people can carry and spread the delta variant.
Unlike with earlier forms of the virus, vaccinated people can carry high levels of delta in their noses and throats. They can also spread it. This is why the CDC changed mask advice July 27. It now advises everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, to wear masks in indoor public settings in areas with “substantial” or “high” spread.
The delta variant may cause more severe illness.
A study in Scotland found that people infected with delta were about twice as likely to need hospital care as those infected with an earlier variant. Studies in Canada and Singapore also found evidence of more serious illness.
Get your second shot: If you got a first shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine but missed the recommended timeframe for a second shot, you can still get it. There’s no time limit on getting your second shot. It will increase your protection.
Wear a mask
General
- 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
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to awaken
- Bluish lips or face
- Other severe symptoms
- 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.
Get vaccinated: If you are 12 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:Face coverings are required in Oregon for all indoor spaces (for example, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and more) at least until the state reaches a 70% vaccination rate. Once mask mandates are lifted, it is recommended that those who are not vaccinated continue to mask especially in crowded areas.
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. Read some tips for social distancing.
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.
Clean and disinfect: Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
Where to learn more
We’ve compiled a list of helpful links to keep you informed about COVID-19.