Expect to vaccinate 2,500 this weekend; childminders, elderly to follow
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County announced Thursday that it has received approval from the Oregon Health Authority to begin providing COVID-19 vaccines to local K-12 educators and staff.
The approval marks the beginning of the delivery of vaccines to residents in Phase 1B of the state’s vaccine framework.
Deschutes County and St. Charles Health System said they expect to provide vaccines to 2,500 K-12 teachers this weekend.
The county and St. Charles coordinates with local school districts and private schools to inform employees directly and provide instructions on how educators can plan vaccinations online.
Depending on the availability of vaccines, child care providers are notified and start vaccinating next week.
On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners authorized Deschutes County Health Services to submit the request to OHA, which contains evidence that the province has completed Phase 1A vaccine distribution. Persons in Phase 1A will still be able to schedule an appointment at the Fair & Expo Center.
“We are excited to enter this new phase of vaccine distribution and to start providing vaccines to local educators,” said Provincial Commissioner Tony DeBone. ‘We know that there is great expectation in our community among residents who want to receive the vaccine. Staff from Deschutes County Health Services and St. Charles Health System works diligently to distribute as many vaccines as possible. ”
Deschutes County residents who wish to be notified when they are eligible to receive the vaccine can complete the vaccine interest form at vaccine.deschutes.org. Deschutes County also works with local health care providers and community partners to notify Deschutes County residents when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Adults 80 years of age and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine on February 8th. If more information is available, the province’s health officials will share the process of planning a vaccine appointment.
As of Wednesday, 12,290 residents in Deschutes County have received COVID-19 vaccines. Deschutes County is seventh in the state per capita in terms of vaccine distribution.
“We are so excited to be able to go to the 1b group and present the COVID-19 vaccine to our K-12 educators, child care workers and early teachers,” said Dr. Jeff Absalon, head of St. Charles, said. doctor executive.
“This week we set up our vaccination clinic at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center and positioned ourselves well to be able to vaccinate a large number of people in a short time. Our hope is that we will continue to receive a significant amount of vaccines. so that we can vaccinate as soon as possible for the following eligible groups. “