(Update: Adding video, Poll KTVZ.COM)
Residents asked to pre-register online or call the hotline for help
BEND, Oregon. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Health Authority has allocated 8,190 first dose vaccines of COVID-19 to Deschutes County for the next week, more than double the number seen in previous weeks, as state and federal shipments increase, said the Friday authorities.
Vaccine appointments will be scheduled using the region’s new vaccine pre-registration system. Invitations to schedule vaccine appointments will be sent to eligible residents who have previously registered, starting on Friday. Additional appointment invitations will be sent on Sunday and at the end of the week.
Residents are encouraged to pre-register now at www.centraloregoncovidvaccine.com. Pre-registration is open to all residents, even those who are currently not eligible to receive a vaccine. Those who pre-register will be contacted by email and text with a link to schedule their vaccination appointment when they are eligible and a dose is available to them.
“Next week, we can offer twice as many vaccine appointments to eligible residents due to the state’s increased vaccine supply,” said Molly Wells-Darling, Deschutes County deputy incident commander. “We encourage all residents to pre-register for the vaccine. We want to make sure that we have a sufficient number of qualified residents enrolled to complete all of our available appointments for the next week. “
Residents who are unable to pre-register online can call (541) 699-5109 for assistance. The team is available from 9 am to 5 pm during the week and from 9 am to 1 pm on weekends. Be prepared to wait on hold or call back, as this line is experiencing a high volume of calls. Individuals who pre-register by phone will receive a call to schedule their vaccine appointment when a vaccine is available to them.
The Oregon Health Authority reports that 81% of Deschutes County residents age 65 and older received at least their first COVID-19 vaccine. This includes 87% of people aged 80 and over, 97% of people aged 75-79, 84% of people aged 70-74 and 68% of those aged 65-69.
Nearly 4,000 residents will receive second-dose vaccines at the mass vaccination clinic next week.
Local pharmacy vaccine availability
Some pharmacies in central Oregon are offering the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible groups through the Federal COVID-19 Federal Pharmacy Pharmacy Program. There will not be enough vaccines to vaccinate all eligible Oregonians at these locations, due to limited supply. The availability of appointments changes frequently. Appointments may be available by visiting https://vaccinefinder.org.
Health centers qualified by the federal government
Mosaic Medical is providing limited vaccine appointments to patients who meet the expanded eligibility criteria. Current Mosaic Medical patients can visit: https://www.mosaicmedical.org/covid-19-vaccine-scheduling.shtml.
La Pine Community Health Center Clinic is offering limited vaccination schedules for patients who meet eligibility requirements. The team will contact eligible patients to schedule vaccination appointments.
Vaccine eligibility
For the week of March 22, eligible groups include:
- Phase 1B, Group 6
- Adults 65 and over
- Phase 1B, Group 1
- Phase 1A
Central Oregon residents in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties can pre-register for the vaccine online at www.centraloregoncovidvaccine.com.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in central Oregon
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