Oregon ‘Cuts Red Tape,’ May 1 All Adults Eligible for Vaccines
Oregon Health officials and Gov. Kate Brown have confirmed that at least by May 1, all adults will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to a release from Gov. Kate Brown (which read in part) the state plans to amp up it's vaccine efforts:
"...for everyone 16 and over in the United States to be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1. We look forward to partnering with the federal government to ensure that Oregon and our local health partners have the vaccine supplies and federal support necessary to implement this directive. We are following up with the administration for more specifics about when vaccine shipments to states will increase, but in a briefing with governors earlier this week, it was clear the White House has worked hard to secure additional vaccine supplies for states in the coming weeks. "
Oregon Health Administration (OHA) officials had wanted to speed up the processes, but were not sure if amounts of vaccine would become available to make that possible.
Federal officials say they have the authority to speed up and 'guarantee' numbers of shots will be released and delivered to allow states to up their levels.
This news was released late Wednesday.
Meanwhile, this plan comes in stark contrast to Washington state's confusing and often misleading myriad of Phases (Phase 1 A, Phase 1B, 2B etc). Washington's plan has left many seniors questioning wether they are eligible, especially those under 65. Also service industry workers are just now finally being added to eligibility.
There's been no word if Washington state might be adopting this 'all adults' plan like Oregon.
Should you have a question, these might provide some information.
LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions
While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.