‘Our systems are not built to handle this volume … We appreciate everyone’s patience’
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County and St. Charles Health System said on Monday they plan to open the vaccine appointment schedule on Tuesday morning, but acknowledge that their online and telephone systems are already under pressure.
The Oregon Health Authority has allocated 2,340 first-dose COVID-19 vaccines to Deschutes County for this week, 800 less than last week, when all appointments were booked within two hours. Following guidelines, adults 65 and older will now be eligible to schedule appointments.
From Tuesday at 09:00, adults 65 and older can make an appointment with the vaccine:
- Online: The easiest and fastest way to sign up for an appointment is to schedule online at www.centraloregoncovidvaccine.com.
- If you’re having trouble signing up online, check out this video that outlines the online appointment registration process.
- By phone: Call 541-699-5109 if you do not have access to a computer or do not have someone to help you sign up for an appointment online. Staff are available seven days a week from 09:00 to 17:00. Be prepared to wait or call back as this line has high call volumes.
“As is consistently happening across the country, our vaccine supply is not enough to meet demand here in Central Oregon, and our website and call center are both overwhelmed by the huge interest,” said Jeremiah Brickhouse, chief information officer. . for St. Charles Health System.
‘Our systems are not built to handle this volume, but we are actively working to address the issues. We can not guarantee that the upgrades we have made so far are enough to handle the coming week, but please know that we will continue to work on improvements. We appreciate everyone’s patience. ”
Nearly 40,000 residents of Deschutes County, age 65 and older, are eligible to receive the vaccine. To date, an estimated 15,000 residents 65 years and older have received at least their first COVID-19 vaccine.
If the weekly allocation does not increase, Deschutes County Health Services estimates that it may take until early May to offer a first dose appointment for all residents 65 and older.
“Unfortunately, due to limited vaccine supply, not everyone who is able to receive a vaccine will be able to make an appointment this week,” said Dr. George Conway, director of health services in Deschutes County, said. “With the current awards, it could take a few weeks before everyone who qualifies can be involved.”
Governor Brown has announced the upcoming stages of vaccination of the vaccine. Phase 1B, Group 6, will include adults 45-64 with one or more underlying health conditions at increased risk, migrant and seasonal workers, seafood and agricultural workers, food processors and people living in low-income senior housing, older congregations and living independently. This group is eligible to start the vaccine from 29 March.
Federal Retail Pharmacy Program
Some retail pharmacies in Central Oregon offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible groups through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 vaccination. Due to the limited supply, there will not be enough vaccines to vaccinate all eligible Oregonians at these locations. Appointments can be available by visiting https://vaccinefinder.org.
Vaccination for vaccine
From 1 March, eligible groups will include the following:
To determine if you are eligible for a vaccine, visit get vaccinated.oregon.gov.
Central Oregonians in the provinces of Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson can report here to be notified when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in Central Oregon
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