SALEM, Oregon. – Oregon residents aged 65 and over will soon be queuing up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine with educators.
The change in the state plan for the next phase of distribution occurs after a new orientation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many in this high-risk group have been clamoring for an opportunity to be vaccinated, as the state previously planned to focus on school officials in hopes of bringing students back to the classroom.
On January 23, this next priority phase will begin to be vaccinated. It includes the elderly, childcare providers, early childhood education and educators and elementary and high school staff. This will be possible through additional vaccine shipments that are expected on that date. They will be from the federal government, which has announced plans to release its entire vaccine reserve to the states instead of keeping a few doses in storage.
Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement:
“Although it is an unexpected change in the course of the federal government, receiving more vaccines is good news for states – and Oregon is ready to devote all the resources necessary to increase distribution with our health partners. The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon National Guard have already started working with hospitals, pharmacies and local public health partners to ensure that Oregon’s senior citizens and educators have immediate access to a vaccine. We will be detailing the plans on Friday for rapid vaccine deployment for healthcare professionals and mass vaccination sites across Oregon.
“If you are an Oregon citizen who has just applied for vaccination, I am asking for your patience. Please do not call your doctor’s or health care professional’s office with questions about when you may be vaccinated. Today’s news came without notice from the federal government. Oregon health care providers are working as quickly as humanly possible to change their vaccine distribution plans to meet this sudden change in national guidelines.
“Now, more than ever, I am determined to ensure that communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 have access to a vaccine: black, indigenous, tribal, Latino, Latino and Latino, Pacific Islanders and communities of color from Oregon. Reaching educators and individuals aged 65 and over in these communities is absolutely critical, as we strive to achieve equitable distribution of the vaccine at each stage of this process.