COVID-19
COVID-19
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COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus, which was discovered in 2019. Coronaviruses as a group have been known to science since the late 1930’s and are recognized to cause 15-30% of all winter “common colds”. SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is much more serious than the common cold because it is a new strain for which we are still building population immunity to.
COVID-19 infections cause a range of illness from mild, which can be treated at home, to severe enough that hospitalization is required. In most people symptoms are like the flu or common cold, however some people can have severe symptoms requiring hospitalization or even resulting in death. Individuals 65 years or older and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk from COVID-19. The more severe an infection or the more reinfections a person experiences also increases their risk of “long COVID” or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Long COVID can be different for different people but can include long term inflammation, fatigue, organ dysfunction, or neurologic dysfunction.
If you are at higher risk, the Benton County Health Department recommends speaking to your medical provider about creating a COVID plan, which should cover your personal risk, prevention strategies, and treatment options in case you do get sick.
COVID-19 Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine offers excellent protection from severe illness and hospitalization and is one of the best ways to protect yourself and loved ones from COVID and its complications. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are updated to give you the best protection from the currently circulating strains.
2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine
Benton County Health Services (BCHS) currently has COVID-19 vaccines in stock through our primary care providers and in our public health immunization program. The BCHS/OSU Pharmacy does not provide immunizations. Please call one of our Community Health Centers or our Public Health Immunization Clinic at 541-766-6835 to schedule an appointment for you or your family.
There are a few places you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We recommend calling ahead.
- Your regular medical provider.
- Supporting medical providers, like SamCare Express.
- Local pharmacies, including pharmacy counters inside of grocery stores.
- For example: CVS, Fred Meyer, Pillbox, Rice’s, Safeway, Walgreens, Walmart, etc.).
- Pharmacies can vaccinate people seven years of age or older. Please contact the pharmacy ahead of time to confirm vaccine availability.
If you have questions, please contact our Health Department by phone at 541-766-6835.
For more information, visit:
- West Coast Health Alliance Frequently Asked Questions
- Oregon Health Authority vaccines webpage
COVID-19 Testing
At-home testing kits are available over-the-counter at many pharmacies and retail locations. Laboratory testing is available through medical providers.
