Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, this page will be updated as new information becomes available. 

UPDATED: October 11, 2024

Here at The Portland Clinic, we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and we are working hard to keep our patients, staff and providers safe. We understand that you may have questions or concerns surrounding the virus. Here’s what you need to know.

COVID-19 vaccines

There are many benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

A COVID-19 vaccination can prevent serious illness, prevent hospitalization and prevent death from the COVID-19 virus. The vaccine also provides protection against long-term health problems that can result from a COVID-19 infection.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from previous vaccinations diminishes over time. An updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine has just been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is expected to restore protection against the current strains, or variants, of COVID-19. Previous versions of the vaccine are no longer available in the U.S.

• Learn more about variants of the COVID-19 virus (CDC)
• Learn why it’s important to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine (CDC)

Three COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers – Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer-BioNTech – have recently developed updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccines. These updated 2024 COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the updated vaccine, including pregnant persons. If more than two (2) months have passed since your last COVID-19 vaccination, get an updated COVID-19 vaccination to protect yourself against COVID-19 this fall and winter.

For established patients 6 months and older:

The Portland Clinic is now offering the updated 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 monovalent vaccine. The vaccine comes in two forms:

• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (2024-2025 formula) for patients aged 6 months-11 years – only available at The Portland Clinic-Beaverton location
• Spikevax for patients 12 and older

Patients can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment by calling our scheduling line at 503-223-3113. You can also ask your provider during your next appointment about getting the vaccine during your visit.

Getting vaccinated if you’ve had or currently have COVID-19 – If you currently are infected with COVID-19, you should defer getting a COVID-19 vaccination at least until you have recovered from the acute illness (if symptoms were present) and you have met the criteria to discontinue isolation.

If you’ve recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your next vaccine dose by three (3) months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you first received a positive test.

Reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection. However, certain factors could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner rather than later, such as personal risk of severe disease, risk of disease in a loved one or close contact, the local COVID-19 Community Level, and the most common COVID-19 variant currently causing illness.

To learn more about the vaccines, here are some additional resources:

• CDC COVID-19 vaccine information
• FDA COVID-19 vaccine information

Your health is important to us

Our priority will always be the health and safety of our patients, as well as our staff and providers. At each of our locations, we continue to take extra precautions and follow state and federal protocols to keep you as safe as possible in our clinics including:

• Screening for symptoms and updating the screening protocols in our electronic health records to flag patients with possible COVID-19
• Encouraging the usage of a medical-grade face mask that covers the nose and mouth for any patient or visitor who has symptoms of an upper respiratory illness, per the guidelines from the CDC and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
  • If you do not have a medical-grade face mask upon arrival at the clinic, one will be provided
• Maintaining an adequate inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our providers and staff
• Conducting extra cleaning and isolation protocols

Getting annual physicals, screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies, and preventive check-ups are essential for your overall well-being. We are concerned that you may be going without important medical care for acute, chronic or preventable conditions, illnesses or injuries, due to the COVID-19. We encourage you to contact your provider to schedule an appointment, whether it be in-person or through a video or phone visit.

Keeping you safe is essential but keeping the rest of you healthy is too. We are here for you and will help ensure you get the care you need.

If you have symptoms

• For mild cold- or flu-like symptoms, including cough and fever, we encourage you to stay at home while you recover.
• For established patients of The Portland Clinic: If your symptoms worsen, please call 503-221-0161, and press “3” to speak with a member of your clinical care team. Please call BEFORE coming into a clinic. 
• If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please dial 9-1-1.

People with the following symptoms may have COVID-19, as reported by the CDC.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

It is important to seek immediate medical care if experiencing the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

NOTE: The lists above do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19. 

Exposure and quarantine

Based on the recent guidelines issued by the CDC and the OHA for health care settings, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but are not experiencing any symptoms you can come to your scheduled appointment in person, preferably wearing a medical-grade mask and following all safety protocols.

However, if you have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (see the previous section above for details), we ask that you please call the clinic at 503-223-3113 to either reschedule or transition your appointment to a virtual visit.

For more information on exposure and quarantine guidance, please go to:

• CDC’s guide to isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19

Getting tested

Established patients who are interested can be tested for COVID-19 at The Portland Clinic after an order has been placed by their medical provider. We are not able to conduct COVID-19 tests for individuals who are asymptomatic or who are seeking a return-to-work, return-to-school, or travel test. Please reach out to your local pharmacy or check the OHA website for testing locations in the area.

For more information, including risk factors and when to seek immediate medical attention, please visit the CDC website.

Practice prevention

The same practices that stop the spread of the common cold and flu are recommended for COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay at home if you are sick, and avoid sending children to day care if they are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze; then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently touched by you and others (e.g., door handles, phones, keyboards, counters, etc.)

Video and telephone visits

We offer telemedicine options that allow you visit your provider at The Portland Clinic by video and/or phone for many health issues, from the convenience of your own home. Rest assured that our telemedicine capabilities are safe and secure. Video visits with us are not recorded, and all video/audio is encrypted. Our goal, always, is to keep both you and your information safe. Most insurances cover telemedicine visits the same as a regular office visit.

To schedule an appointment, please call 503-223-3113.

Lab scheduling

In order to maintain safe physical distancing, all lab visits need to be scheduled in advance. To schedule a lab appointment, please call 503-223-3113.

Sign up for MyChart

Connect with your health care team at The Portland Clinic from the comfort of your home.

MyChart is a free, secure, online health management tool that connects patients to their health team at The Portland Clinic. Patients can communicate with their provider, access test results, view chart notes, pay their bill online, and much more.

Sign up for MyChart today.

Travel recommendations

For updated travel information related to COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s travel web page.

Helpful resources

For general information and updated status of COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and/or the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

• Fight Germs. Wash Your Hands! English  Spanish
• Helping children cope with changes resulting from COVID-19 (web page)