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April 6, 2021

New vaccine schedule released

Summary Frontline workers, including many ODHS staff, can get the vaccine now. Families of frontline workers and people who live in multigenerational households also can get the vaccine now. ODHS staff who meet the frontline worker criteria received email notification from Human Resources on March 23. Oregon expanded its criteria for underlying health conditions to make more people eligible for vaccination now.  All people 16 and older will be eligible on April 19.

Governor speeds up vaccine schedule

Families of frontline workers eligible now

Warning that a “fourth surge of the virus is at our doorstep,” Governor Kate Brown has sped up Oregon’s COVID-19 vaccination distribution schedule and made more groups immediately eligible for the vaccine.

Last Friday, the Governor announced Oregon was expanding vaccine eligibility to include all family members of frontline workers. She also expanded the eligibility criteria for underlying health conditions to match the Center for Disease Control’s extended list. People in both groups can sign-up for a COVID-19 vaccine now.

Then today, the Governor announced that all Oregonians over the age of 16 will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine starting April 19.

Many ODHS employees meet the frontline worker eligibility criteria. Employees who meet the criteria received a notice from Human Resources at their state email address on March 23. Frontline workers can sign up for a vaccine now. Frontline workers are encouraged to make appointments for their whole families to get vaccinated together. 

For more information, visit the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon website.

How to find a COVID-19 vaccine

Trying to find a vaccine appointment can be confusing with so many different options and locations in Oregon. OHA has a webpage called How to find a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon to help. The page is available in multiple languages.

Mark your calendar!

Vaccine information session for employees April 15th

You are invited to join an Informational Session for ODHS Employees on COVID-19. The online session will be hosted by Human Resources and the Agency Operations Center (AOC) on April 15 from 1 to 2 p.m.  

During this event we will:

• Learn about COVID-19 vaccines and the state’s distribution plan from OHA representatives
• Hear Department pandemic response updates from ODHS representatives from Human Resources, Operations and the AOC
• Have an opportunity for questions and answers

This will be a TEAMS Live Event. Please use this link to join. Participation is voluntary.

The event will be recorded and posted on the OWL for those who can’t attend the live event. Watch the Discover ODHS internal newsletter for an announcement when the recording is available.

Keep your guard up against COVID-19

We’re in a race between vaccine distribution and the rapid spread of COVID-19 variants. Even though Oregon is making fast progress on vaccinations, we must keep our guards up against the virus.   ODHS health and safety protocols remain in place to protect you, your colleagues and families, and the people we serve. Whether you are vaccinated or not, please continue wearing a face mask, watching your distance, washing your hands often and staying home when you are sick.