Governor Brown Announces Plan to Expand COVID-19 Vaccination to All Seniors

From January 23, as per CDC guidelines, increase expected vaccine doses; patience sought, Brown asks that people not call doctors, providers

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Based on updated guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Governor Kate Brown announced Tuesday evening that Oregon would be expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to all people aged 65 and over.

Additionally, the federal government has announced that it will release its entire supply of vaccine available to states, rather than keeping some doses in stock for a second dose later.

Vaccinations for Oregon seniors – as well as child care providers and K-12 educators and staff – will begin on Saturday, January 23, when additional vaccine shipments are expected. start arriving from the federal government.

“While this is an unexpected change of course for the federal government, receiving more vaccines is good news for states – and Oregon is ready to devote whatever resources are needed to accelerate distribution with our healthcare partners, ”said Brown.

“The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon National Guard have already started working with hospitals, pharmacies and local public health partners to ensure Oregon seniors and educators have timely access to a vaccine. . On Friday, we’ll detail plans for rapid vaccine deployment to healthcare providers and mass vaccination sites across Oregon.

“If you are an Oregon who is newly eligible for vaccination, I ask for your patience. Please do not call your doctor’s office or health care provider to find out when you can be vaccinated. Today’s news arrived without notice from the federal government. Oregon healthcare providers are working as fast 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 affected by COVID-19 have access to a vaccine: Black, Indigenous, Tribal, Latin, Latin and Latin communities. Latin, Pacific Islander and Colored Oregon. . Reaching educators and people aged 65 and over in these communities is absolutely critical as we strive to achieve equitable vaccine distribution at every step of this process.

Governor and Oregon Health Authority to provide more details on Oregon’s distribution plans for seniors and educators, as well as how Oregon will continue to reach populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 , Friday.