“If that is at the expense of the death of older people, is that a good decision?”
BEND, Oregon. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Health Authority recently announced that seniors 80 and older will be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine starting Feb. 8, with other age groups to follow in the coming weeks.
But the agency also said this week that there will not be enough vaccine doses to meet demand, which may only add to the fires of frustration that many seniors have been feeling in recent weeks and months.
NewsChannel 21 has heard directly from a handful of seniors who have expressed frustration about vaccine rollouts, such as Bill Gawlowksi.
“I know it’s difficult, we don’t get vaccines fast enough,” he said. I just feel like seniors are being kicked on the sidewalk, so to speak. ‘
Gawlowski said he understood the vaccine is being rolled out to health professionals first, but he does not agree very much with the following groups, given the high mortality rate among seniors. Specifically, he mentioned teachers and school staff, who were vaccinated before most seniors.
“When it comes to the schools, I have grandchildren in schools too, and absolutely, schools are critical in getting these kids back in,” Gawlowski said. But then again, the bottom line is that if that is at the expense of the death of older people, is that a good tradeoff? ”
There are about 105,000 teachers in Oregon, just over 12,000 inmates – and more than 700,000 people over the age of 65.
Deschutes County Public Health Services told NewsChannel 21 that they don’t know yet how many vaccines they will allocate for next week.
“The week beginning Feb. 1, we did not receive a first dose allocation from the Oregon Health Authority,” said Morgan Emerson spokesman. “We’re waiting to find out what our assignment will be for next week, if any.”
Emerson explained how those who wish to get vaccinated can begin the process.
“You can sign up at vaccine.deschutes.org to be notified when you are eligible to schedule an appointment and to receive information on how to schedule it,” Emerson said.
And for those with limited transportation trying to make their way to the Redmond Fairgrounds, where vaccinations take place?
“If you have Medicare or health insurance that covers medical transportation, you can use that benefit to schedule a ride to the Fair and Expo Center for appointments,” Emerson said.