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Pfizer is expected to seek the release of its vaccine by the end of the month. Like most others, it will require two doses and injections must be given weeks apart, company protocols show.

The increase in hospitalizations from 2008 to 2018 underscores the need for the state to find new ways to treat and prevent addiction, researchers said.

Unlike the order by Gov. Kate Brown last spring, this is a voluntary step that hospital administrators are taking to give themselves flexibility to be able to handle an influx of patients.

Dropping Medicare eligibility age to 60 from 65 would deprive hospitals of billions of dollars in revenue they now get from commercial insurance plans.

Though the vaccine appears to offer a high level of protection, it's not clear how long immunity would last and whether the vaccine might cause any health problems. No serious side effects have been noted but it's early days yet.