SALEM, Ore. Oregonians aged 65 and over will soon receive a COVID-19 vaccine with educators.
The change to the state’s plan for the next phase of distribution comes after new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Many of these high-risk groups have sought the opportunity to be vaccinated, as the state has previously planned to shift the focus to school staff in hopes of bringing students back into the classroom.
On January 23, the next priority phase begins to be vaccinated. These include the elderly, childcare providers, early learning and K-12 educators and staff. This will be made possible by additional vaccines expected on that date. It comes from the federal government, which has announced plans to release its full reserve of vaccines to states instead of stopping a few doses.
Kate Brown Government has issued the following statement:
‘While this is an unexpected change of pace from the federal government, receiving more vaccines is welcome news for states – and Oregon is ready to spend all necessary resources to sharpen the spread with our healthcare partners. The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon National Guard have already begun working with hospitals, pharmacies and local public health partners to ensure that elderly people and educators in Oregon have access to a vaccine. On Friday, we will outline plans for the rapid deployment of vaccines to health care providers and vaccination sites in Oregon.
‘If you’re an Oregonian who’s just eligible for vaccination, I ask for your patience. Please do not call your doctor’s office or healthcare provider with questions about when you can be vaccinated. Today’s news came without prior notice from the federal government. Oregon healthcare providers are working as quickly as possible to shift their vaccine distribution plans to meet this sudden change in national leadership.
“Now, more than ever before, I am determined to ensure that communities affected excessively by COVID-19 have access to a vaccine: Oregon’s black, indigenous, tribe, Latino, Latina and Latinx, the Pacific islander and communities of color. . It is imperative to reach out to educators and individuals aged 65 and over in these communities, as we strive to achieve equitable distribution of vaccines at every stage of this process. ”