Quick Links

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. In Oregon, more than 2 million people have been safely vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Vaccines are free and effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant. The vaccine will also reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill, being hospitalized or dying if you do get COVID-19. Bottom line, the vaccine is our best weapon in the fight to reopen Oregon.

 

Where can you get the vaccine?

Use the Oregon Health Authority’s website to find a location near you. You may also want to check with your healthcare provider, tribal government, or use the CDC’s vaccine locator to find a pharmacy in your area.

 

Should you be worried about side effects?

A lot of people are nervous about side effects and that’s totally normal. Mild to moderate reactions to vaccines are common and are a sign your immune system is responding as it should. Common side effects after vaccination include pain or swelling where you got the shot, fever, chills, fatigue, or headaches. In most cases, the side effects should go away within a few days.

 

What do I need to know about the vaccine mandates?

There are currently three separate vaccine mandates impacting members of our union, one covering healthcare workers and public school employees, another covering state employees, and a third covering university workers. You can click those links for more info or visit the resources links below.

 

Ivonne’s Story

Ivonne Rivero is a homecare worker and SEIU 503 member. She got the vaccine because she experienced firsthand just how devastating COVID-19 can be. “I had three deaths in my inner circle at the beginning of the pandemic,” says Rivero. “One of my dear friends died, leaving four children and a husband behind.”

 

Vaccine Questions?

 

Still have questions?

These common health care providers serving members of our union have extensive resources available, and in many cases they can also provide you with the vaccine when you feel comfortable getting it.

 

 

SEIU 503 Office Information

Click here for the latest information on SEIU 503 office hours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resources for Members

New OSHA Rules Governing Safety

Rules governing workplace safety have been continually updated by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health division (OSHA). Click here for the latest information.

Membership Advantages resources for Covid-19

Membership Advantages are only available to SEIU 503 members.

Members who have LifeMap short term disability insurance through SEIU 503 can file a claim if they contract Covid-19 or a quarantine is imposed on them. Please note that a waiting period of 3 weeks applies before benefits begin. Claims may require formal documentation from a health agency.

Do you have student loans and have seen a disruption to your income as a result of Covid-19? The SEIUMB Student Loan Forgiveness Navigator may be able to help reduce your student loan payments. SmartSavings also offers discounts on online therapy and health programs, educational programs for kids, entertainment and food delivery.

For additional information contact our Member Assistance Center at (844) 503-SEIU (7348).

 

Child Care

If you are continuing to work during this public health emergency and need child care, please call 211info to get connected with a provider as soon as possible. We’ve put together a guide for SEIU members who are trying to apply.

Here are some additional resources and information from Oregon Early Learning Division.

 

Pandemic-linked anti-Asian hate and bias

Since the start of the pandemic there has been an uptick in anti-Asian and anti-Muslim violence – including incidents in Oregon. There is no place for this kind of violence and hatred in our community, and we extend our wishes for healing and support to those who have been affected. We encourage anyone who witnesses an incident to report it.

To report an incident, go to reporthatePDX.com. You can also call the Oregon Department of Justice’s Bias Response Hotline at 1-844-924-BIAS, 711 for Oregon Relay, or go to StandAgainstHate.Oregon.gov. Learn more in PUAH Resilience to Hate Resource Guide. The Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) created this in collaboration with the Portland United Against Hate coalition, and has been made possible in part by a grant from the City of Portland. This guide also has references for mental health and victim support resources.

APANO has compiled information related to Coronavirus in Asian and Pacific Islander languages.

Want to do more. Check out this toolkit from the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance.

 

Have a question you don’t see answered? Submit it here. 

Additional Resources