Counties approved for expanding vaccinations, March 23

Monday, the Oregon Health Authority announced that 13 Oregon counties had submitted attestation letters signaling their intention to immediately offer COVID-19 vaccinations to expanded eligibility groups. The counties are Baker, Benton, Deschutes, Grant, Jefferson, Lake, Lincoln, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Polk, Umatilla and Union. By attesting, these counties can now begin vaccinating all individuals listed in Phase 1B, Group 6, ahead of the previously designated statewide start date of March 29. Group 6 is comprised of: Adults ages 45 to 64 with one or more underlying condition with increased risk. Migrant and seasonal farm workers. Seafood and agricultural workers. Food processing workers. People living in low-income, senior congregate and independent living facilities. Sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing houselessness. People displaced by wildfires. Wildland firefighters. Pregnant women 16 and older. The Get Vaccinated Oregon tool is being updated to accommodate this newly added population of people eligible for vaccination.