Covid-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads easily through the air and mucus droplets from someone’s nose or mouth. It is very contagious.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent getting very sick, going to the hospital or even dying from Covid-19.
With Covid-19 still spreading, it’s important to keep your vaccine up to date to protect against serious illness.
Symptoms
Covid-19 often causes respiratory symptoms that feel like a cold, flu or pneumonia. Most people have mild symptoms, but some can become severely ill and can die. Covid-19 symptoms»
Covid-19 Vaccines
The CDC recommends everyone over 6 months of age get the newly updated Covid-19 vaccine.
Everyone 5 years and older should get one dose. Children 6 months to 4 years old may need multiple doses.
Covid-19 vaccine recommendations»
Where to Get Covid-19 Vaccines
- Your doctor or clinic
- Pharmacies and grocery stores
- Upcoming community clinics
- Vaccine finder»
Don't have a regular doctor? Get free vaccines at our Community Immunization Clinic»
Youth ages 5-18 can get free vaccines at our Student Health Centers»
Need help finding a vaccine? Scheduling an appointment in your language or with technology barriers? Call 503-988-8939.
Community Vaccine Clinics
Fridays 1-4pm | NARA Wellness Center, 12360 E Burnside St, Portland
By appointment ONLY, call 971-314-9166. For 6 months old and up. Bring your vaccine and insurance cards if you have them.
Vaccine Cards
Lost your vaccine card? Contact your doctor or clinic to get a replacement. If you don’t have a doctor or clinic, you can email multco.covid19card@multco.us or call 503-988-8939 for help.
Covid-19 Testing
Get tested if:
- You have Covid-19 symptoms
- You were a close contact of someone with Covid-19
Take a home test, ask your doctor, or find a community testing site. Covid-19 testing resources»
Were You Exposed?
If you had close contact (15 minutes or more, with or without a mask) with someone who has Covid-19:
- Watch yourself for symptoms for 10 days and wear a mask around others.
- Test 5 days after you were together or if you develop symptoms. If your home test is negative, test again in 48 hours.
- Limit in-person contact or wear a mask around people who are at greater risk for 10 days.
If you feel sick
If you have Covid-19 symptoms, assume you're contagious.
- Stay home and away from others
- Take a Covid-19 test
- Tell people you were around that you got sick
- Take care of yourself and learn about treatment options
What to do if you have Covid-19»
Treatment
There are medicines that can make a Covid-19 illness less severe when started early. Talk to your provider early in your illness if you have risk for severe disease.
Covid-19 treatments and medications»
Getting Care
If you don't have a doctor, call 211. Interpreters are available. You can also call our Community Health Centers 503-988-5558 to enroll as a patient.
Prevent the spread of Covid-19
To lower your own risk of getting Covid-19 and increase protection for those who are more vulnerable:
- Stay home when sick
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
Coping with respiratory illnesses»
Masks
Masks are always welcome as a way to reduce risk for yourself and the community. They are an important tool for reducing the spread of Covid-19.
We recommend wearing masks indoors if you are around others and you are:
- At high risk
- Sick or tested positive and can’t stay home
- Or if you have recently been exposed to Covid-19
Employers and businesses may have their own mask requirements.
At times of high Covid-19 spread, Multnomah County public health may recommend everyone wear a mask indoors until disease activity slows down.
