The Oregon Health Authority told OPB on Tuesday that all adult Oregonians will be eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by May 1.
President Joe Biden set the schedule for May 1 earlier this month, but Oregon Governor Kate Brown said that while she would like to stick to that schedule, she would not change the state’s schedule until she was sure enough vaccines would arrive.
The hesitation stems from a promise made for vaccines under the Trump administration, which then did not arrive.
Margene Haworth, left, receives the COVID-19 vaccination from paramedical Elle Miller of McMinnville, on February 5, 2021, at the Friendsview Retirement Community in Newberg, Oregon. Oregon officials say that all adults will be eligible to schedule vaccines until May 1.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has now sent Oregon an order to make all Oregon residents eligible by May 1.
Speaking at Think Out Loud on Tuesday, Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen said the state will comply with the federal request.
“It makes us a little nervous,” said Allen. “To be fair, this administration has generally been very good about what has ensured that we will be able to see.”
Listen to the full conversation:
The schedule does not mean that everyone will be able to receive the vaccine on May 1, but they can start signing up for an appointment on that date.
Allen said the Oregon Health Authority is considering making some people eligible earlier if they were allowed on May 1, as frontline workers, people in multi-generation families and younger people with pre-existing illnesses.
Biden also said that the federal government is looking to make it easier for people to get appointments to be vaccinated.
Allen said he does not know what this new federal system will look like, but he thinks that twice the supply of vaccines to Oregon should double by May 1.
“In fact, these problems become easier rather than more difficult, because you effectively begin to be able to find vaccines everywhere,” said Allen. “At that point, you meet him at the local health care provider’s office. You find it in your local pharmacy in more quantities than now. “
The state will also continue to offer vaccines at the mass vaccination clinics currently in operation.
The Oregon Health Authority has partnered with Google to create a vaccine registration tool. The site, getvaccinated.oregon.gov, will not provide bookings, but will find a provider when someone is eligible.