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Oregonians aged 80 and over will have widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines starting Monday, February 8, making older residents the new group eligible for protection against the coronavirus.
In fact, getting the vaccine could be a headache, between making an online appointment, accessing the vaccination sites and going back for a second dose.
As older Oregonians begin to head to state vaccination sites, here are five important things to know to get that long-awaited protection against COVID-19.
1. Only people aged 80 and over will be eligible, at this time.
Monday will mark the first of four rounds of vaccination for seniors in Oregon this winter. People aged 75 and over will be eligible for the next phase starting February 15, followed by people 70 and over on February 22 and people 65 and over on March 1.
State officials are asking for patience and asking that only eligible people request appointments in the coming days. The state announced on Friday that it will launch a new tool on its website covidvaccine.oregon.gov this week that allows users to sign up to receive email alerts or SMS notifications about vaccination events in their region.
Read more: Oregon lacks a targeted plan to ensure immunization of vulnerable seniors amid expected ‘chaos’, advocates say
2. Make an appointment online, by phone, SMS or email.
Eligible seniors can book an appointment online by going to covidvaccine.oregon.gov. In the center of the page, there is a link that says “Vaccine Eligibility and FAQs” with a “Let’s Get Started” button. This option invites a chat service that can help you determine if you are eligible and be redirected to an appointment page if applicable.
The first appointments for the elderly should be available online at 9 a.m. Monday, according to Washington County Health and Human Services.
Appointments can also be made by phone, calling 2-1-1. Seniors can also email [email protected] or message ORCOVID to 898211 to start a conversation about scheduling an appointment.
Read more: How Oregon Seniors Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Is Eligible, How To Make An Appointment, How Long It Will Take
3. Don’t expect to get an appointment right away.
Luck can play a role in how quickly you can get a date. Some may be able to book one right away, while many others will have to wait several weeks to make an appointment, let alone get the shot. Factors include where you live, how many other people around you are eligible at the same time, and how quickly you navigate the system online.
Public health officials have warned that this week could bring “chaos” as the state continues to suffer from an insufficient supply of vaccines to meet increased demand.
4. Vaccination locations will vary by county, many will take place at mass clinic sites.
Oregon’s most populous counties have set up mass clinics to distribute vaccines. Two of these clinics at the Oregon Convention Center and Portland International Airport will serve large numbers of people in the Portland metro area, while the Oregon State Fairgrounds will serve those in the Salem area.
Local pharmacies will eventually be able to offer vaccinations in some counties in Oregon, including next week. Oregon Health Authority director Patrick Allen said on Friday that the state will receive 13,000 doses this week to 133 different pharmacies. Further details have yet to be announced.
Read more: Portland’s First Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Site Now Open: Here’s What You Need To Know
5. Vaccines are safe and effective, although mild side effects are common.
Trials have shown that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are extremely effective, preventing COVID-19 disease in more than 94% of uninfected people after receiving two doses.
Vaccines are also extremely safe for the vast majority of people who receive them. Side effects are normal after receiving the vaccine, including pain and swelling at the injection site, with fever, chills, fatigue, and headache also possible. Studies have shown that most people will only have mild or moderate cases, and serious side effects are rare.
To reduce pain in your arm, apply a clean, cool, damp washcloth to the injection site, or exercise your arm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. It’s okay to take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve other symptoms, but DO NOT take it before the injection (unless your doctor tells you otherwise), as the drug may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness, the vaccine warned on Friday. ‘AARP.
–Jamie Hale; [email protected]; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
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