Gov. Brown announces plans to extend COVID-19 vaccinations to all elderly people

From January 23, according to CDC guidelines, increased vaccine doses are expected; looking for patience, Brown asks people not to call doctors, providers

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Based on updated clues from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Governor Kate Brown announced late Tuesday that Oregon will expand COVID-19 vaccinations to include all individuals age 65 and older.

In addition, the federal government announced that it would make its full reserve vaccines available to states, rather than withholding some doses for a later second dose.

Vaccination of Oregon seniors – as well as child care providers and early learning and K-12 educators and staff – will begin on Saturday, January 23, when additional vaccines are expected to begin from the federal government.

“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 promote distribution with our healthcare partners,” Brown said.

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. ”

The governor and the Oregon Health Authority will provide more details on Oregon’s distribution plans for the elderly and educators, as well as how Oregon will continue to reach the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19.