Oregon will roll back vaccination schedule for seniors, starting with people 80+ on Feb. 8
Gov. Kate Brown announces new state restrictions in a news conference in Portland on Thursday, March 12. (Jonathan House/Pamplin Media)
Oregon’s seniors will have to wait at least two more weeks for a Covid vaccine, Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday, with vaccines beginning Feb. 8 for those 80 and older.
The news comes after state leaders learned Jan. 14 that an expected increase in vaccine shipments from the federal government was not coming. Brown said earlier this week Oregon would begin vaccinating seniors and teachers Jan. 23 after the state was told federal agencies would release vaccines they had been holding in reserve.
Last night, Brown said she learned that the federal government did not have vaccines in reserve, forcing the state to adjust its plans. She placed the blame for the delay on the Trump administration.
“Their empty promises are literally playing with people’s lives. So may Oregon seniors have spent the past year separated from their children and their grandchildren,” Brown said.
Brown said teachers and school employees would be able to receive a vaccine starting the week of Jan. 25, with some counties beginning earlier.
The governor’s Friday afternoon press conference is available live on YouTube.
