Through our programs, with a focus on disease prevention and health promotion, we are helping to ensure your health and safety. Call 541-889-7279 to make an appointment or to learn more about our services. Stay up to date with public health news below.
We have vaccines to keep you healthy this fall
Malheur County Health Officer Sarah Laiosa recommends that everyone six months or older get vaccines for respiratory viruses like flu and COVID. The vaccines are updated every year to protect against the most recent variants of these viruses and the vaccines for this fall are available now. The best time to get these vaccines is September or October, just as flu season gets started.
At an Oregon Health Authority press conference last week, Dr. Laiosa said, “In rural areas like mine, access to care can include additional challenges such as extreme weather events, prolonged road closures, long distances to the nearest health care provider and limited emergency medical resources. Preventing severe illness through vaccines and early treatment is essential.”
For example, the flu vaccine cuts the chance that you will be hospitalized with the flu in half. The vaccine also lowers your risk for serious complications like ear infection, pneumonia, sepsis, asthma attacks, or health conditions like heart disease getting worse from a flu infection.
While everyone over six months old should get vaccinated, it’s especially important for people are at higher risk for severe illness (and those around them) to get their fall vaccines, including:
- Adults 65 years and older
- People with health issues like asthma, blood disorders, COPD, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, etc.
- During pregnancy
- Children younger than 5 years old
“I know that many people in Oregon have questions about vaccines. It is important that people seek information directly from a health care provider they trust before deciding what is best for them,” said Laiosa.
Have questions? Call us at 541-889-7279 for more information.
Malheur County Health Department Has Vaccines Now for the Fall & Winter Respiratory Virus Season
Make an appointment to get vaccines at our clinic: 541-889-7279.
Or visit us at Professional Development Day on October 4
Please bring your insurance card. We will bill your insurance to cover our costs to order and administer vaccines.
Vaccines Recommended for Everyone Age Six Months and Older
We have:
- 2024-25 flu vaccine
- FluMist (Great if you don’t like needles)
- Updated 2024-25 COVID vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna)
Vaccines Recommended for Older Adults
We have:
- 2024-25 High-dose flu vaccine
- RSV vaccine
- Pneumonia vaccine
You can also find COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at local pharmacies, or by contacting your health plan or healthcare provider. You can also search for a vaccine clinic at vaccinefinder.org, by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211info.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurance cover flu, covid and RSV vaccines?
Oregon Health Plan, Medicare and most private insurance companies are required to cover seasonal vaccines like flu and COVID. RSV vaccines are covered by most private insurance or Medicare Part D. Pneumonia vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B. If you are unsure, please call your health insurance provider or Malheur County Health Department to check what your insurance covers.
Don’t have insurance?
We can give vaccines at no cost to you if you are uninsured or underinsured, through state of Oregon programs.
Can I get sick from a flu shot?
You can’t get the flu from a flu shot because the shots either use dead flu virus or one protein from the virus to train your immune system.
You may have mild side effects, such as aches or a low fever, for a couple of days. This is a sign that your immune system is learning how to fight off the flu. These side effects will always be milder than flu symptoms.
Can I still get the flu?
Getting the flu shot lowers your chances of getting sick with the flu. Some people still catch the flu even after they get a flu shot. The flu shot helps reduce symptoms like fatigue and diarrhea if you do get the flu.
The flu shot also lowers your chance of being hospitalized or having serious complications like ear infection, pneumonia, sepsis, asthma attacks, or a health conditions like heart disease getting worse from a flu infection.
I heard my child might need 2 doses?
Children aged 6 months through 8 years old need to get two doses of the flu vaccine if it is their first time ever getting this vaccine.
Health officials report whooping cough outbreak in Malheur County
Malheur County Health Department has issued a press release today, September 5:
Ontario, Oregon — The Malheur County Health Department is investigating one confirmed case and three suspected cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Health officials ask anyone who may have had contact with any of the individuals who have whooping cough to stay home if they show signs of a cold for more than one week. Those who may have been exposed and have cold symptoms should call their health care provider. They should also avoid contact with pregnant women and children under the age of 1.
“Whooping cough causes severe coughing and it spreads easily in groups,” said Raquel Bennett, RN, Public Health Nurse at Malheur County Health Department. “Babies and young children can become very ill because their airways are so small. In some cases, whooping cough can be fatal for them. That said, anyone — young or old — can become ill.”
Anyone who may have been exposed should check his or her vaccine record, as well as all family members’ records. Make sure that vaccinations are up-to-date, including a diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) or tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Call your healthcare provider if there is a question about whether your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Babies and children should get five doses of DTaP for maximum protection: at ages 2, 4 and 6 months, at 15 to18 months, and again at 4 to 6 years old. Preteens at 11 or 12 years old get a booster dose of Tdap. Teens or adults who didn’t get Tdap as a preteen should get one dose. Getting Tdap is especially important for pregnant women during the third trimester of each pregnancy.
Whooping cough often starts with cold-like symptoms. Early signs may also include a minor cough or fever. People infected with the illness may have coughing fits. After one or two weeks, toddlers with pertussis may have a high-pitched “whoop” following the cough. Coughing fits may be so bad that people may vomit during or after the coughing and be exhausted afterward.
Whooping cough is common in the United States. The number of cases peaks every 3–5 years and there are frequent outbreaks. The main goal of controlling pertussis outbreaks is to decrease the amount of disease and death among babies.
To learn more about pertussis (whooping cough), go to www.cdc.gov/pertussis
New cancer prevention grant funds HPV vaccine outreach
The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer and five other kinds of cancer. The Malheur Health Department wants more parents and teens to know that.
Now, thanks to a grant from the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s Community Partnership Program, the Health Department will be able to do more outreach to Malheur County families about HPV and the vaccine that prevents it.
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. There are different strains of HPV. Some types cause warts on the skin, some cause genital warts, and others cause cancer – including cervical, anal, penis, mouth, and throat cancer.
HPV is a very common virus. It’s estimated that as many as 4 out of 5 adults carry the virus. For most people, the body’s immune system clears the virus and it goes away by itself. For some people, if the virus stays in the body, infected cells develop into cancer.
While the most common HPV-caused cancer among women is cervical cancer, men can also get mouth, throat and other cancers from HPV.
Source: American Association for Cancer Research
History of the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine was developed by researchers Ian Frazer and Jian Zhou. The HPV vaccine went through years of extensive safety testing before being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2006, it was added to the list of routine vaccines for children. Since then, over fifteen years of monitoring and research have continued to show that the HPV vaccination is very safe.
Safe and Effective Prevention
The HPV vaccine works extremely well. HPV vaccines have proven to be up to 90% effective in protecting against the virus.
The HPV vaccine works beest when children are vaccinated before they are exposed to the virus. Children can get the HPV vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccines, as young as age 9.
The World Health Organization projects that if 90% of girls get fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, millions of deaths could be prevented and cervical cancer could be eliminated.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
Vaccination Rates Remain Low
But after almost two decades, young people are still getting the vaccine in low numbers. Many parents haven’t heard of the HPV vaccine or don’t know why it’s recommended for their teen. In Malheur County, 75% of teens have gotten one dose; only 54% have gotten all doses.
Malheur County Health Department Immunization Coordinator Angelica Resendiz would like to change that. In August, Angelica started an education and outreach program to connect with more teens who haven’t gotten their HPV vaccine series yet.
As part of the program, Malheur County residents aged 13-17 can get a $25 gift card when they come in for their first and their last dose (the series is 2 or 3 doses depending on age).
Questions? Want to make an appointment? Call us at 541-889-7279.
More information:
HPV Vaccine for Preteens and Teens: The Basics | CDC
HPV Vaccine Safety for Parents | CDC
La vacuna contra el VPH para preadolescentes y adolescentes | CDC
PRIME+ Peer Program To End At Malheur County Health Department
As of September 29th, 2024, the Malheur County Health Department will no longer host the PRIME+ Peer Program. The PRIME+ Peer Program connects certified peer recovery support specialists with people who are at risk of or are receiving treatment for overdose, infection, or other health issues related to substance use. There are many organizations throughout Malheur County that will continue to provide peer services.
Thanks to the funding received by the Oregon Health Authority, peer specialists at the Malheur County Health Department have delivered lifesaving support services on the forefront of the devastating opioid epidemic facing our community, and many communities across the country.
During our funding period, we were able to provide valuable resources and services in Malheur County, including, but not limited to:
- Distributing Naloxone (Narcan)
- Connecting individuals to Hepatitis C, HIV and Syphilis testing and treatment, recovery services, health insurance, and employment
- Partnering with other organizations in a local coalition on substance use
- Providing harm reduction supplies and education to individuals struggling with substance use disorders
- Installing sharps collection bins throughout Malheur County, collecting nearly 63,000 syringes
The PRIME+ program is hosted and funded by the Oregon Health Authority. The contract will be ending September 29th, 2024. The Oregon Health Authority is seeking another vendor to administer the PRIME+ peer program in Malheur County.
Flyer: Local Peer Support Services and Resources in Malheur County
Fourth West Nile Virus Reported in Mosquitos in Malheur County for 2024
For the fourth time in 2024, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes at a testing site in Malheur County according to Malheur County Vector Control. The sample was collected in a trap site located in Jordan Valley, Oregon.
Protect yourself against mosquitoes:
- Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
- When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picaridin, and follow the directions on the container.
- Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
Oregon’s newborn visiting program makes national news
Oregon’s Family Connects program, which launched in Malheur County this spring, has been getting noticed on national TV and radio programs. Family Connects sends our experienced Health Department nurses to visit families with new babies to give wellness checks and support.
On the TV talk show Live with Kelly and Mark, married couple Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos mentioned Family Connects.
“If you were like us, when we had our kids, particularly our first one, they hand you the baby, and then they hand you a leaflet on how to take care of a person,” said Ripa, to audience chuckles.
“There’s a new program slowly rolling out all across Oregon called Family Connects. The program offers any family with a new baby a no-cost visit with a trained, at-home nurse,” she continued.
“We could have used this.”
Cory Turner/NPR
Meanwhile, NPR’s national morning news show, Morning Edition, followed Oregon nurse Barb Ibrahim during her home visits in story called, “Babies don’t come with instructions. But in Oregon, they now come with a nurse.”
After a medical checkup for their baby, “comes the beating heart of any Family Connects visit: the chance for new parents to ask a registered nurse whatever they want.
Some share their confusion or frustration. Others are eager for advice or comfort in those early weeks of a baby’s life when new parents are most likely to feel exhausted and adrift.”
Amber, a parent in Jefferson County who was visited by Ibrahim, said “Just having Barb here has helped me feel supported emotionally and improved my mental health — right in the thick of these first few, hard months of parenting.”
To learn more about the Family Connects program in Malheur County, check out our program brochures:
To learn more or sign up for one of our home visiting programs, contact Heather Burrows, RN, Maternal Child Health Supervisor:
- Email: heather.burrows@malheurco.org
- Phone: 541-823-3217
or or talk to your OB provider about the Family Connects program.
Stay Safe During A Power Outage
There are power outages happening in some areas due to weather. Idaho Power has also announced that there may be public safety power outages, which are planned outages during high winds to prevent fires. Read more about preparing for a power outage.
Get Ready for a Power Outage
Prepare for medical needs, especially if you have refrigerated medicine or electrically powered medical equipment. This could mean finding a place you can go during an outage or buying a backup generator.
Find a way to feed and water pets, service animals, or livestock in case well pumps don’t have power. (For example, fill water troughs and containers before the power goes out.)
Learn how to manually open security gates and garage doors.
Gather a kit of items to have on hand in case of an outage:
- Flashlights
- Matches
- Blankets
- Bottled water (5 gallons per person)
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, crackers, etc.)
- Non-electric can opener
- Baby food or formula and diapers, if needed
- Pet food, if needed
- First-aid kit and any prescription medications
- Battery or solar-powered chargers for your devices
- Battery-powered radio, clock and flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Board games or cards for entertainment
- A block of ice in the freezer
During a Power Outage
- For safety reasons, use battery-powered lights instead of candles.
- Never use a portable generator indoors, inside the garage or near the air intake of your house.
- To protect your appliances, machinery and equipment, turn off any that were in use when the power went out. Turn off electric ranges or space heaters to prevent the possibility of a fire if you’re away when power is restored. Keep one light on so you know when power has been restored.
- To keep food cold longer, avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors, and keep a large block of ice in the freezer.
- If you notice a downed power line, stay at least 100 feet back and report it to Idaho Power by calling 1-800-488-6151.
After a Power Outage
After power has been restored for about 10 minutes, begin turning on appliances and lighting in 10-minute phases. This keeps circuits from overloading and helps to more quickly and safely restore everyone’s power.
Farmers’ Market July 16 & 17
Attention Malheur County WIC participants! Don’t miss the WIC Farmers’ Market Tuesday-Wednesday, July 16-17, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. outside the Malheur County Health Department.
Our address is 1108 SW 4th Street in Ontario, across from the TVCC baseball fields. Eligible WIC participants can pick up their $28 worth of WIC Farm Direct checks to use at the Farmers Market (Red Barn Produce will have a stand set up) or at local farm stands through the end of October. If you do not pick up your farm direct checks during the Farmers’ Market, call us at 541-889-7279 after the event and we can mail them to you if we have any left!
The Malheur County WIC participating farmers’ markets and farm stands are:
- Ontario Saturday Market S Oregon St at SW 1st Ave, Ontario, OR (Moore Park on Saturdays)
- Country Corner 4980 Hyline Rd, Ontario, OR
- Purdum’s Produce 6237 Elmore Rd, Fruitland, ID
- Red Barn Produce 6525 US 95, Fruitland, ID
- Nyssa Farmers Market 415 Main St, Nyssa, OR
- Shy Farms Produce 5585 Highway US-95 Spur, Ontario, OR
This year, WIC celebrates 50 years
Check out these videos for tips on how to use your WIC Farm Direct checks:
English:
Spanish:
The public are welcome to shop from the Red Barn produce stand set up at MCHD on July 16-17 and if you’re a WIC or Senior Farm Direct participant, you can use your Farm Direct checks at the stand. Find the statewide directory and more details about Oregon WIC Farm Direct program here.
Call our office at 541-889-7279 for more information and to learn how we can serve you and your family.
First West Nile Virus Reported in Mosquitos in Malheur County for 2024
July 15, 2024
For Immediate Release
West Nile virus (WNv) has been detected in mosquitoes at a testing site in Malheur County
according to Malheur County Vector Control. The samples were collected in Little Valley (14 miles West of Vale) and South of Vale.
Health officials are advising people in Malheur County to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Communities and individuals living in or spending significant time outdoors, particularly near irrigated land, waterways, standing water, and used tires—including those working in agriculture, such as migrant and seasonal farm workers—may be at increased risk of mosquito bites and related diseases.
It is important that you contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms of fever, weakness, mental confusion. Neuroinvasive diseases is especially of concern to people 50 and older, people with immune-compromising conditions, and people with diabetes or high blood pressure People should consult their health care providers if they have these symptoms. Health care providers can contact the Malheur County for information on West Nile virus testing.
Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian offers these tips for protecting yourself against mosquitoes:
- Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
- When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
- Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
The virus also affects wildlife and domesticated and farm animals. Horse owners should get their horses vaccinated for WNv. Horses with neurologic disease should be examined by a veterinarian. West Nile testing is available at Oregon State University.
Additional information about West Nile virus:
West Nile Virus | Oregon Health Authority
West Nile Virus | U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The press release is available here:
Air quality advisory issued for Northern Malheur County
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued an air quality advisory today for Northern Malheur County and other areas due to smoke from fires in Oregon and Northern California. DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until at least Monday, July 15. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.
From the DEQ:
Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.
Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:
- Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
- Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
- When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
- If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.
Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.
More resources:
- Find a cleaner air space in your area: Visit 211.org and search for “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 any time or day.
- Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires
- What to know about wildfire smoke | OSU Extension
- Protecting Indoor Air from Wildfire Smoke | OSU Extension
Malheur County Health Department 