Oregon Governor Kate Brown Accelerates Timeline for Some COVID-19 Vaccinations

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown is accelerating the COVID-19 vaccine access schedule for everyone 65 and older, as well as childminders and K-12 teachers and staff.

The federal government announced on Tuesday that it would release the full range of vaccine doses to states, rather than withholding some and lowering the appropriate age to 65.

Brown responded Tuesday night by announcing that Oregonians age 65 and older and people working in schools and early learning facilities could receive doses on Jan. 23.

“While this is an unexpected change of course from the federal government, receiving more vaccines is welcome news for states,” Brown said in a written statement.

Oregon has fallen behind other states and Brown’s own goal of vaccinating. The Oregon Health Authority is working with the National Guard and pharmacies to speed up doses for people eligible in the first round – primarily health care providers, emergency workers and people in nursing homes and auxiliary care. The state delivered about 6,000 to 7,000 doses per day; Brown wants the number up to 12,000.

In her statement Wednesday, Brown said she was confident the system would improve. Still, she urged people who qualify in the next round to be patient. She blamed the Trump administration for the confusion.

“Please do not call your doctor’s office or healthcare provider with questions about when you can be vaccinated,” Brown said. “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.

Brown said she would release more details on Oregon’s accelerated distribution plan on Friday.