Today, Gov. Kate Brown announced that Oregonians in the agricultural and food processing industries will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 29, the first step toward extending vaccination eligibility more broadly to frontline workers.
Oregonians experiencing homelessness, as well as those 45 and older with underlying medical conditions, as defined by the CDC, will become eligible at the same time.
On May 1, the state plans to expand eligibility to other frontline workers, as defined by the CDC. Vaccines will also open then to Oregonians ages 16-44 with underlying conditions will also be eligible that day. No later than June 1, the state plans to allow all Oregonians 45 and older to start vaccinations. By July 1, anyone 16 or older should become eligible for the vaccines.
OBI is in conversations with the governor’s office and our hospital partners about how Oregon employers can assist with the rollout as the vaccination becomes more broadly available. Look for communications that can be shared with employees soon. We will keep members up to date as more information develops.
The governor described this as a game-changing acceleration of the vaccination effort in Oregon, but cautioned that it also depends on availability of vaccine doses. More supplies are expected, as new vaccines come on line and production increases. While seniors trying to make appointments in the next week or two may face difficulties getting appointments, the state expects dramatic expansions in supply before the end of March, with officials saying they will have sufficient to vaccinate all currently eligible Oregonians by the end of March and open vaccination to other groups starting March 29.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at communications@oregonbusinessindustry.com.