The Oregon Health Authority told OPB on Tuesday that all adult Oregonians will be eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 by May 1.
President Joe Biden set the schedule for May 1 earlier this month, but Oregon Governor Kate Brown said that while she would like to meet that timeline, she will not change the state’s program until she is sure enough vaccines will arrive.
The hesitation stems from a promise made for vaccines under the Trump administration, which then failed.
Margene Haworth, left, receives a COVID-19 vaccination from paramedic Mc Millerville Elle Miller on February 5, 2021, at the Friendsview Retirement Community in Newberg, Oregon. Oregon officials say all adults will be eligible to schedule vaccinations by May 1.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has sent an order to Oregon for all Oregonians to be eligible by May 1st.
Speaking on Think Out Loud on Tuesday, Oregon Health Authority director Patrick Allen said the state will comply with the federal request.
“It makes us a little nervous,” Allen said. “To be honest, this administration was generally pretty good at what it assured us we could see.”
Listen to the full conversation:
The timeline doesn’t mean everyone will be able to get a vaccine on May 1, but they can start requesting an appointment then.
Allen said the Oregon Health Authority would consider some people eligible earlier if they were allowed by May 1, such as front-line workers, people from multi-generational households and younger people with conditions. pre-existing.
Biden also said the federal government is looking to make it easier for people to get vaccinated appointments.
Allen said he did not know what the new federal system might look like, but said twice that vaccine supplies to Oregon should double by May 1.
“These problems are actually getting easier than they are, because you’re actually starting to be able to find the vaccine everywhere,” Allen said. “At that moment, you can find him at the local office of the medical service providers. You can find it at your local pharmacy in larger quantities than now ”.
The state will also continue to provide photos to the mass vaccination clinics currently in operation.
The Oregon Health Authority worked with Google to create a vaccine registration tool. The site, getvaccinated.oregon.gov, will not offer appointments, but will find a provider when someone is eligible.