As the virus continues to spread, slightly different versions of COVID-19 will be created. These "variants" can be more dangerous, or have different effects, but they are just like copies of the original COVID-19.

You can take steps to protect yourself from COVID-19. Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. The vaccines provide effective protection against all the variants of COVID-19 and can help keep you from having to go to the hospital.

Since the variants seem to make the unvaccinated sicker more easily than those that are vaccinated,  the sooner we all get the vaccine, the less likely those variants will be able to cause trouble.

On March 12, Oregon will no longer require children to wear masks in schools. We know many families are weighing their options.

We also know that COVID-19 is impacting families inequitably. There is limited access to culturally specific vaccination opportunities in many Oregon communities. While most cases of COVID-19 in children are mild, some children get very sick from the virus.

The best protection against COVID-19 is the vaccine. It is safe and effective for all eligible children and adults. If all eligible people are fully vaccinated, we will slow the spread of COVID-19. Most vaccinated people who get sick with COVID-19  avoid severe illness, hospitalization and death. Find free community-centered vaccine clinics.

When it comes to wearing masks at school, each family should decide what works best for them. Here are some things to consider:

• While wearing a mask won’t be required, it can still provide protection from the virus.
• Schools bring together vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The Oregon Department of Education strongly recommends that students and staff in high-risk groups continue to wear masks indoors.
• If there are children in your school or community who have medical conditions or who are too young to be vaccinated, wearing a mask will help protect them.
• If there are immunocompromised or vulnerable people in your home, masking and testing will help protect them.
• As we move to this next phase in the pandemic, remember that we’re all in this together. Be kind and compassionate to your neighbors’ needs.

Talk with your children about the fact that some kids will wear masks and some kids won’t. Help them practice an answer for when other kids ask why they’re choosing to wear a mask or choosing not to.

To continue to keep schools safe:

• Children should stay home when they’re sick.
• Children may need to wear a mask when they are exposed to COVID-19.
• Children may need to wear a mask when they return to school after being sick with COVID-19.
• Families can access free testing for children with COVID-19 symptoms.

We know these changes can be stressful. Families have already endured so much uncertainty over the past two years. Thank you for supporting the health of our teachers, children, and community members. Keeping our schools open and providing health and developmental care protects our children’s emotional wellbeing.

Data collected by those that were pregnant and vaccinated does not indicate there is any type of increased risk in getting vaccine while pregnant.

There are also no safety concerns for those thinking about becoming pregnant or those who may be currently breastfeeding.

Most people do not have serious problems after getting a vaccine. There have been reports of the arm where you received the shot being sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week.

Some people report getting a headache, fever, fatigue, or body aches when getting a vaccine.

There are several resources for getting the vaccine:

- your local Walgreens or RiteAid currently offer COVID testing to the public. An appointment is required.

- there are test kits available over the counter at most grocery pharmacies.

- If you are a Virginia Garcia patient you may contact us to make an appointment at your clinic.