Vaccine Eligibility Expanded
On Tuesday, Governor Brown announced that Oregon will be expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to include all individuals age 65 and older. She and public health officials will be detailing plans on Friday for the deployment of vaccines to health care providers and mass vaccination sites across Oregon, as well as provide more details on Oregon's distribution plans for seniors and educators. This change is set to take effect on Saturday, January 23. The Oregonian has more information on her announcement here.
As the Governor’s release noted, the federal government announced it would be releasing its full reserve of vaccines available to states rather than holding some doses in storage. This warning didn’t come with advance notice, which will force health care providers in the state to adapt their vaccine distribution plans quickly. I’m hopeful that a new federal administration will provide clearer communication to the states. Oregon Public Broadcasting has more details here about how the state is attempting to speed up vaccine distribution.
Below is a Q&A from the Oregon Health Authority about how/when the vaccine is available:
I am in a Phase 1a group, where do I go?
We don’t have a central phone number yet, but OHA is working with local public health, health care partners, and 211 to determine the best contacts in each community. We will post the community contacts on our COVID-19 website as soon as we have them. Check your local public health website to see if they have additional information.
I don’t know if I’m in Phase 1a; how do I check?
Please check the Oregon COVID-19 Vaccine Sequencing Plan. For additional questions, you can email COVID19.vaccine@dshoha.state.or.us.
Do I need to show any proof I’m in Phase 1a?
OHA does not require proof and does not plan to request verification from vaccinating providers. Vaccine providers themselves may require an individual to declare in some way they are in a Phase 1a group.
I’ve been turned away from getting a vaccine by a COVID-19 vaccine provider. What do I do now?
If you think you fall under Phase 1a, please contact your local public health department to be connected to a vaccine provider.
I’m an education worker. When will I get vaccinated?
Child care, K-12 school and school district staff will be in the first group of Phase 1b, after Phase 1a is completed. Information on where and when to get vaccinated will be provided as soon as it’s available.