All Oregonians over the age of 16 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 19, government Kate Brown announced Tuesday, nearly two weeks earlier than originally planned.
A widespread vaccination condition was previously expected on May 1st.
The move comes as communities across Oregon and the state work to get shots in the arms before more infectious variants of the virus can establish themselves.
“We are caught in a race between vaccine distribution and the rapid spread of COVID-19 variants,” Brown said in a statement. ‘Today, Oregon will pass the threshold of 2 million administered vaccine doses. And yet COVID-19 is distributed in communities across Oregon at the rates. ”
Oregon had an average of 423 cases per day in the past week, and hospitalizations rose to 177 on Monday. Both are the highest levels in seven weeks – but significantly below their respective fall peaks.
Brown stressed that even with the date on which the qualification is raised, her office will work to ensure that underserved populations have access to the vaccine.
‘It is critical that we continue to focus on equity in our vaccine distribution efforts. “Oregon’s black, indigenous, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Asian, Pacific, tribe and color communities have been hit extremely hard by this disease,” Brown said. “We need to reach Oregons wherever they are, including those who may not have easy access to health care or the opportunity to work off time.”
Brown’s announcement came just hours before President Joe Biden was expected to make a similar announcement to increase the vaccine’s nationwide expansion, according to the Associated Press.
Brown and public health officials were expected to make an announcement later Tuesday on provincial-level risk assessments, which control COVID restrictions.
This story will be updated.
– Kale Williams; [email protected]; 503-294-4048; @sfkale