COVID-19 Update: When Can You Get Vaccinated?

Demand for the vaccine is expected to exceed supply.  On 12/1/20, a 14-member advisory panel to the CDC comprised of physicians and scientists met to work on a proposed prioritization plan to determine Phase 1 allocation of the vaccines.

Phase 1a

The following allocation prioritization for Phase 1a has been proposed:

1. Healthcare workers (21 million) in the following locations:

• • Hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Long-term care residence staff
  • Emergency services personnel
  • Public health workers
  • Pharmacy staff

2. Adults over 65 in community dwelling (53 million)
   • Skilled nursing facilities
   • Assisted living facilities
   • Residential care communities
   • HUD senior housing

Phase 1b

Phase 1b includes essential workers older adults and those with chronic health conditions.  Examples:

1. 1. Essential workers (87 million)
      • Food and agricultural food service 
      • Transportation
      • Education/educators
      • Energy
      • Police
      • Firefighters
      • Manufacturing
      • IT and communication
      • Waste water
      2. Adults with chronic health conditions (100 million
      • • Obesity
        • Diabetes
        • Heart disease
        • Solid organ transplant recipient
        • Chronic kidney disease
        • Cancer

      Here is a helpful interactive tool developed by the New York Times that helps you estimate where you are in line for a vaccine.

      Where Can I Get a Vaccine?

      It is yet to be determined where vaccines will be available in Oregon. Part of this depends on who has the ability to store the vaccines at such low temperatures. The Oregon Health Authority will make this determination and decide which vaccine to send where. We will keep you updated as we receive this information.

      Do I Still Need to Wear a Mask?

      Even with vaccine approval, wearing masks and social distancing will still be required. It will take time to vaccinate enough of the population to slow the spread of the virus substantially. Please continue to take care and we will update you when we learn more about timing, administration sites, efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

      Need More Information?

      Read our first COVID-19 Vaccination Update to learn more about the types of vaccines to be distributed, how they work, and to understand what we know about their safety and effectiveness.  And, if you’d like to speak with a physician, please contact us or schedule an office visit if you have any further questions. We are happy to see you or speak with you at any time.