The Oregon Health Authority told OPB on Tuesday that all adult Oregonians are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by May 1.
President Joe Biden set the May 1 timeline earlier this month, but the Oregon government Kate Brown said that while she would like to comply with that timeline, she would not change the state’s schedule until she was sure that there would be enough vaccines.
The hesitation stems from a promise for vaccines under the Trump administration, which did not materialize at the time.
Margene Haworth, left, receives a COVID-19 vaccination from McMinnville paramedic Elle Miller February 5, 2021, at Friendsview Retirement Community in Newberg, Oregon. Oregon officials say all adults are eligible to schedule vaccinations by May 1.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued an order to Oregon to make all Oregonians eligible by May 1.
Speaking on Think Out Loud, Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority, said the state will comply with the federal request.
“It makes us a little nervous,” Allen said. “To be fair, this administration has generally been pretty good at what it has assured us we’ll be able to see.”
Listen to the full conversation:
The timeline doesn’t mean everyone can get a vaccine on May 1, but they can then start requesting an appointment.
Allen said the Oregon Health Authority is considering making some people eligible earlier if allowed on May 1, such as front-line workers, people in multi-generational households, and younger people with pre-existing conditions.
Biden also said the federal government is looking into making it easier for people to make arrangements to get vaccinated.
Allen said he doesn’t know what that new federal system might look like, but he thinks the double supply of vaccines to Oregon should have doubled by May 1.
“These problems are actually getting easier than more difficult because you can actually find vaccines everywhere,” Allen said. “At that point, you will find it at your local healthcare provider’s office. You can find it at your local pharmacy in greater quantities than it is today. “
The state will also continue to offer the shots in mass vaccination clinics currently in operation.
The Oregon Health Authority partnered with Google to create a vaccine registry tool. The website, getvaccinated.oregon.gov, doesn’t offer appointments, but will find a provider when someone qualifies.