Following Tuesday’s updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gov. Kate Brown announced that Oregon will be expanding COVID-19 vaccination to include all individuals age 65 and older. However, this change will not happen immediately.

The federal government announced it would be releasing its full reserve of vaccines available to states, rather than holding some doses in storage. Vaccination of Oregon seniors – as well as child care providers and early learning and K-12 educators and staff – is scheduled to start on Jan. 23, when additional vaccine shipments are expected to begin arriving from the federal government.

“If you are an Oregonian who is newly eligible for vaccination, I am asking for your patience,” Gov. Brown said. “Please, do not call your doctor’s office or health care provider with questions about when you can be vaccinated. Today’s news arrived with no advance notice from the federal government. Oregon health care providers are working as fast as humanly possible to shift their vaccine distribution plans to meet this sudden change in national guidance.”

Malheur County Health Department Director Sarah Poe said plans to expand vaccine clinics are under way. “Our Malheur County team is ready to rise to the challenge to vaccinate as many people as possible, including our most vulnerable population. We are thankful for Governor Brown’s decision to allow counties to move as quickly as possible to reach everyone in our community.

MCHD will provide details on vaccine distribution plans for seniors and educators as those plans are finalized. Check our monthly events calendar for upcoming vaccine clinics and other public health-related events.