By Taxpayer Foundation of Oregon,
It’s likely to take weeks—or more likely months—for Oregonians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine to actually receive a shot in the arm.
That’s because the demand for the vaccine far exceeds the limited supplies, according to the association representing Oregon hospitals.
Gov. Kate Brown outlined an ambitious timeline for vaccinating residents—prioritizing school officials first and then seniors 80 and older—but it’s likely to increase demand for vaccines that the state doesn’t have.
Becky Hultberg, president of the Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems, said even those eligible for the vaccine will need to wait to schedule an appointment, KGW reported. She wants to manage the expectations of residents eager to put the pandemic behind them. The reality is the state doesn’t have enough vaccine for everyone who wants it.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, educators can receive the vaccine starting Jan. 25; people 80 and older Feb. 7; and seniors 65 and older Feb. 28.
