Oregonians 65+ and Educators to Get Vaccinated Soon

SALEM, Oregon – Soon, Oregonians 65 and older will be lining up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine alongside educators.

The state’s change in plan for the next phase of distribution comes after new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many in this high-risk group are clamoring for an opportunity to get vaccinated, as the state previously planned to focus on school staff in hopes of getting students back to class.

On January 23, this next priority phase will begin to be vaccinated. It includes seniors, child care providers, educators, and kindergarten and elementary school staff. This will be made possible by additional shipments of vaccines expected by that date. They will come from the federal government, which has announced its intention to release its entire vaccine reserve in the states instead of keeping certain doses in stock.

Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement:

“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. The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon National Guard have already started working with local hospitals, pharmacies and 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.