During its final official meeting last week, Oregon’s 27-member COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) recommended that four groups move forward concurrently once Oregon has vaccinated a critical mass of seniors. Those groups would be:
- Adults 16-64 with underlying health conditions
- Front-line workers (to be defined)
- Adults and youth in custody 16 years and older
- People living in low income and congregate senior housing
People who live in multi-generational households would be next in line behind these groups, followed by the general population.
As a next step, Oregon Health Authority staff will review the operational and legal dimensions of the recommendations before they are referred to Governor Kate Brown. The committee has an optional meeting on Feb. 2 to discuss implementation issues.
The Malheur County Health Department will provide an update on vaccine sequencing when more information is available.
Malheur County Health Department 
Your info is confusing. What does it mean “once Oregon has …….critical mass of seniors? Also you mention adults with underlying health problems age ?? to 64. Well so what if someone is 65 and has been told by her doctor that if she gets COVID she will not survive you figure them to be to far gone in age is that it??
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for reaching out with your questions. Critical mass, in this case, means the majority of seniors.
Those age 64 and under who have underlying health conditions are being prioritized by the Vaccine Advisory Committee immediately after those age 65 and older, all of whom become eligible for vaccination this month. If you or someone you know is in this age group, please share the following link with them and let them know that our vaccine clinics are posted on our calendar of events, located on this website. Thank you!
Click to access le3527A.pdf
Where can senior citizens get the shot
Hi Judy, seniors age 80 and older become eligible for the vaccine on Feb. 8. Age 75+ on Feb. 15. Age 70+ on Feb. 22. Age 65+ on March 1. The Malheur County Health Department offers vaccine clinics as vaccine becomes available. We expect to offer a clinic on Feb. 11 and will share information about location and times as it becomes available. It is important to note that many senior citizens have been eligible for the vaccine under Phase 1a, which prioritizes people who have a medical condition or disability for which they receive care in their home, whether professional or by a family member. The person providing the care is also eligible. People who qualify under Phase 1a can be vaccinated this Saturday, Feb. 6, at Four Rivers Cultural Center during a first-come, first-served vaccine clinic beginning at 10 a.m. More information is available on our events calendar.
Other options include scheduling an appointment with your local Valley Family Health Care office, or using the online scheduler at Saint Alphonsus-Ontario: https://saintalphonsus.inquicker.com/saint-alphonsus-regional-medical-center/discharge/laboratory-services