How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon
As of Jan. 25., everyone in Phase 1A and group one of Phase 1B are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon. That includes:
- Health care workers and first responders
- Long-term care residents
- K-12 educators and school staff
- Childcare providers
Oregon introduced a new online tool that allows eligible residents of Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Columbia counties to sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The eligibility tool is open to everyone in Oregon to use and ask questions.
OHA gives mixed messages on whether vaccine is being held back for second doses
On Jan. 22, Dave Baden, the Oregon Health Authority's chief financial officer and pandemic response coordinator, said during a news conference on Zoom that groups giving out vaccines should hold back half of them. Just this week, an OHA spokesperson wrote an email contradicting Baden's statement. The email said Oregon is not holding back doses.
Some seniors having trouble navigating COVID-19 vaccinations in Oregon
Oregon's eligibility date for older adults to qualify for COVID-19 shots is fast approaching (February 8), and many are concerned about how they're going to get the vaccine. Attempting to sign up for an appointment has been a challenge. We reached out to state and county leaders to ask how seniors are supposed to schedule appointments for COVID-19 shots, but the state didn't respond and a Multnomah County public health official said they didn't know.
Virtual community meeting on COVID-19 gives SW Washington residents chance to air vaccination frustrations
At a virtual community meeting for residents of three counties in southwest Washington, Monday, a state health official said, "...the statewide vaccination plans are going well." It was apparent that many disagreed with her based on the comments that came rolling in shortly after.
More vaccines going to pharmacies
Starting next week, the federal government will begin sending 1 million doses per week to about 6,500 pharmacies nationwide. It's part of a plan to ramp up vaccinations as new and potentially more serious virus strains are starting to appear, the White House said Tuesday.
Update on vaccinations in Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on Monday reported 14,693 more doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered. A total of 438,299 doses have been administered out of the 665,325 doses delivered across Oregon. Just over 80,000 people have received two doses of the vaccine, according to OHA.
Gov. Brown answers questions on vaccinating teachers and seniors, reopening schools
KGW's Pat Dooris sat down with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown for an interview. They spoke about vaccinating teachers, reopening Oregon schools, reactions from the state's seniors and more.