UPDATED: June 2022

The CDC now recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible. The Medical Specialty Center at Orchard Hospital will be offering a one day infant/toddler vaccine clinic on Friday, July 1st from 8am-4pm by appointment. Call 530-797-3595 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Both Moderna and Pfizer is available for all children and adults ages 6 months or older.

In an ongoing effort to curb the latest omicron variant of COVID-19, as of January 18, 2022, every home in the United States is eligible to order up to four free COVID-19 tests. In recent weeks COVID tests have been hard to come by as there’s been an increase in demand, again thanks to the latest and more contagious variant. By offering these free tests, Americans will be able to have them when they need them so they can know sooner whether they need to stay home to protect themselves and others or if they can have peace of mind and go back to their daily activities.

Orchard Hospital is committed to the health and safety of Butte County residents. As our community continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 we’re also dedicated to keeping you up to date with the latest information regarding guidance for face coverings and the vaccine rollout. We continue to stay aligned with the California Department of Public Health. Please see the latest press release below:

Seasonal allergies are nothing new to the North State. With the many blossoming orchards, pollens, and grasses in Butte County, it’s nearly impossibly to live here and not experience an itchy throat, congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing at some point! These days, with COVID-19 still a prevalent part of our lives, if you’re out and about and someone is showing these kinds of symptoms, it can cause us to be a little on-edge, because some of these symptoms caused by allergies can also show up if someone has COVID-19. Find out some key indicators to know the difference.

Butte County has qualified to move from Tier 2 (red) to a less-restrictive Tier 3 (orange) of the State’s COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a shift that allows more businesses to reopen and some that are already open to increase capacity. This change in tiers is effective at 12:00 am on Wednesday, March 31.

Ever since it was announced that we were officially in a pandemic, the world has been eagerly anticipating the COVID-19 vaccine. While Orchard Hospital’s first dose COVID-19 community vaccination clinic appointments have now been filled and will be paused until further notice, the second dose Covid-19 community vaccination clinic administration began February 17^th at the Orchard Hospital Medical Specialty Center in Gridley.

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are just around the corner. While normally a time to gather with family and reconnect with friends, it’s looking very different this year for most people. Wherever you live, your holiday plans are probably affected by Covid-19.

In the past nine months or so since Covid-19 made its appearance in the United States, you’ve probably heard the term “herd immunity” come up in various conversations and news articles. Phrases like, “we just need to get herd immunity” or “that country has better numbers because they’ve achieved herd immunity” may have you wondering, what exactly is herd immunity and why is it important to the Covid-19 pandemic? Here’s a quick look at herd immunity and how a vaccine will help achieve it.

During this time of uncertainty, we are all required to pay close attention to precautions and guidelines set forth by the California Department of Public Health. It can be difficult to pivot our plans and continually have to adjust, especially when it comes to visiting a loved one in a skilled nursing facility.

On November 23, 2020, Orchard Hospital plans to begin “in facility visitation” at Hovlid Community Care Center. There are strict guidelines in place to ensure the safety of the residents, visitors, and staff.

Nothing is more essential than your health. Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and others from being exposed and potentially spreading Covid-19. A few simple steps can make all the difference for yourself, your family, and your community.