C.O. counties among 20 expanding vaccine eligibility to frontline workers, others
(Update: OHA says 20 counties expanded eligibility, including all 3 in C.O.)
But still not enough doses for all who are eligible; priorities set by OHA
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Health Authority announced Wednesday that 20 Oregon counties (including all three in Central Oregon) have submitted attestation letters signaling their intention to immediately offer COVID-19 vaccinations to expanded eligibility groups.
The counties are Benton, Coos, Crook, Deschutes, Douglas Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union and Wheeler.
By attesting, these counties can now begin vaccinating all individuals listed in Phase 1B, Group 7, ahead of the previously designated statewide start date of April 5.
“Moving up vaccination in these counties will enable us to vaccinate our frontline workers more quickly while enabling counties with adequate supply to fully utilize their allotment of COVOD-19 vaccine,” said OHA Director Patrick Allen.
Group 7 is comprised of:
- Frontline workers, as defined by the CDC.
- People living in multi-generational households.
- People aged 16-44 with one or more health conditions with increased risk.
As of Monday, people in Phase 1B, Group 6 became eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
More than 1.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered throughout Oregon.
Deschutes County said Wednesday it expanded vaccine eligibility to individuals in Phase 1B, Group 7, including frontline workers, adults with certain underlying health conditions and people living in multi-generational households.
Vaccine appointments will be scheduled using the Central Oregon vaccine pre-registration system at www.centraloregoncovidvaccine.com.
- Frontline workers as defined by CDC
- Adults 16 and older with one or more underlying health conditions with increased risk
- Individuals living in a multigenerational household
“We are excited to begin vaccinating the frontline workers of Deschutes County. These men and women have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic,” said Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone. “This marks an important turning point, as we are able to help make things safer for those who have played a key role in keeping our communities running over the past year.”
Residents are encouraged to pre-register online at www.centraloregoncovidvaccine.com. Those who pre-register will be contacted by email and text with a link to schedule their vaccine appointment when they are eligible and a dose is available for them.
St Charles Health System began sending invitations to newly eligible residents on Wednesday. Appointments are sent out in staggered intervals throughout the week.
However, officials said there still will not be enough vaccine supply to vaccinate all newly eligible Central Oregonians this week.
The pre-registration system allows appointments to be prioritized, based on Oregon Health Authority eligibility guidance.
Local Pharmacy Vaccine Availability
Some pharmacies in Central Oregon are offering the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible groups through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination. There will not be enough vaccines to vaccinate all eligible Oregonians at these locations, due to the limited supply. Appointment availability changes frequently. Appointments may be available by visiting https://vaccinefinder.org.
Vaccine eligibility
As of March 31, eligible groups include:
- Phase 1B, Group 7
- Phase 1B, Group 6
- Adults 65 and older
- Phase 1B, Group 1
- Phase 1A
Central Oregonians in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties can pre-register for the vaccine online at www.centraloregoncovidvaccine.com.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in Central Oregon, visit:
