Vaccine eligibility for all Oregonians, 16 and older, opens Monday, April 19
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown held a press conference today to provide an update on the status of COVID-19 in Oregon, and to urge Oregonians to make a plan to get vaccinated. The Governor was joined by Patrick Allen, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director, and Dr. Dean Sidelinger, State Epidemiologist.
“Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself against serious illness and death from COVID-19,” said Governor Brown. “They are the best way to protect yourself from variants. And they are the key to unlocking the restrictions this pandemic has forced on us, so we can return to doing the things we love and seeing the people we miss.
“This Monday, vaccine eligibility will open up to everyone age 16 and older. If you haven’t already had a chance to get vaccinated, make a plan to do so now. Tell your loved ones and neighbors you plan to get vaccinated, and share your reason why. And if you have already signed up for an appointment, help a friend sign up, too.
“And as our friends, family members, and neighbors await their vaccine, it’s critical we all work together to keep them safe. Let’s not forget the basics: wear your mask, limit gatherings—especially with friends and family who aren’t fully vaccinated—and maintain social distance.
“With almost one in four Oregonians fully vaccinated, every day we are getting closer to reaching the community protection we need from this virus. We must keep our eyes on the horizon, and honor the personal responsibility we all share to follow public health safety measures.”
A copy of the Governor’s prepared remarks from today’s press conference is available here.
More information on vaccines is available at covidvaccine.oregon.gov.
Video Links
- A recording of today’s live-streamed press conference is available on YouTube YouTube. Please note the video starts at the 31:45 mark.
- A recording of a Spanish language translation is available on OHA’s Facebook page.
- An HD recording of today’s press conference for members of the media is available on Vimeo.
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