Episode 43: COVID-19 & Other Chronic Diseases + Emerging Variants & New Booster

Additional resources

COVID-19 and other Chronic Disease+ Emerging Variants & New Booster

Q1: The first week of April is Public Health Week and April is also National Minority Health Month. What’s that mean to us?

These types of observances help us focus on important issues – in these cases public health in general and the health of communities of color, specifically. The theme of National Minority Health Month is “Give your community a boost!” which is a great reminder for people to protect themselves against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted. And also don’t forget to get your flu shot.

Q2: I’ve heard that a second COVID-19 booster is approved. How is this different from the first booster?

Yes. On March 29th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID-19 vaccination guidelines to include a second booster dose for some adults, and for immunocompromised people age 12 and older. Eligible people can get a Second booster dose four months or more after getting their first booster dose.

Q3: I’ve also heard federal funding for COVID-19 treatment, testing and vaccination for uninsured people is going away? What’s happening?

Congress did not pass the funding needed to continue to pay for COVID-19 testing, treatment or vaccinations for uninsured people. They are still discussing the funding package and we hope they will pass one soon. 

If you are not insured, you might qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, which covers COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and additional doses. It also covers treatment and home tests. You can apply any time of the year. The best way to find out if you qualify is to apply. You can apply online, in person or through the mail. You can also get help applying for free. To learn more go to OHP.Oregon.gov and click Apply for OHP.

You can also call 800-699-9075 or find a local community partner at bit.ly/ohplocalhelp for help.

Q4: How would you define health equity? How does this affect the Black community?

I would say health equity is when all members of society enjoy a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The pandemic has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black people, putting us more at risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. While the mask mandate has been lifted and hospitalizations have dropped in the state of Oregon, the Black community is still very much struggling with the effects of COVID-19.

Overall, Blacks and other ethnic minorities do not have equal access to health care. Issues such as lack of insurance, transportation, child care, or ability to take time off of work can make it hard to go to the doctor. It makes it hard to prevent and manage issues like chronic illness. 

As I mentioned before, Oregon Health Plan can help bridge the gap for health care coverage. Besides COVID-19 related care, it covers regular check-ups, prescriptions, mental health care, addiction treatment, dental care and more.

Q5: Speaking of chronic illness, my mother has high blood pressure and diabetes.  What are her risks if she catches COVID-19?

People who are over 65 or who have chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease are more likely to get very sick with COVID-19. If you or a loved one have one of these conditions, talk with your doctor about how to protect against severe disease from COVID-19. Again, if you are able to get vaccinated then do so. Also, get all available boosters that you qualify for. You can visit multco.us/reach for information on upcoming vaccination sites.  

I don’t have a chronic disease, but I am overweight.  Will this make me more sick if I get COVID-19?

Obesity, smoking and even pregnancy are all conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccination and boosting is safe and effective for protection against COVID-19.

Q6: Besides my fears about COVID-19, I am worried about how chronic disease affects my health overall. Are there any other tips for managing chronic disease better?

Creating an action plan for proactively managing your chronic illness is the first step in practicing good self care as it relates to your personal health. Talk to your doctor or a community health worker to learn tips on how to manage your medicaton, become more active, manage stress and eat healthy foods.

Q7: I keep hearing that there is another new variant out, can you please explain what it is?  Should I be worried?

Sure, glad you asked! BA.2 is a subvariant of Omicron.  It spreads 80% faster than the earlier Omicron and was first identified in the United States in December. It accounted for about 55 percent of new U.S. cases in the week ending March 26, according to C.D.C. estimates on Tuesday, March 29. To be safe from BA.2 and all variants, get vaccinated and boosted. And if you had a booster more than 4 months ago, you may qualify for another if you’re over 50 or are over 12 and have a compromised immune system.

Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.