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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are three weeks into the 81st Legislative Assembly and steeped into legislative hearings. I’ve already testified virtually in several Senate and House committees on bills to change the state song lyrics, address the cost of hospital mergers and acquisitions and provide a statewide plan to uplift our LGBTQ+ students in schools. Most of the committee work is conducted online but the House has been meeting once a week in-person to first read new bills and to advance the calendar.
I’ve heard from many of you who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and the decisions about prioritization. I share your concerns. Earlier this week, adults 80 years and older began signing up for COVID vaccine appointments. However, due to short supply and high demand, these vaccinations may not be available for up to 12 weeks. I thank you for your patience and your feedback as the Oregon Health Authority continues to work through the high volume of demand for the vaccine. You can find more information below on how to make an appointment for older adults. In the meantime, please continue to remain vigilant by wearing a mask, washing your hands and maintaining a six-feet social distance.
Finally, February is Black History Month, a time when all Americans can celebrate and reflect on the history of Black community members and their contributions to the foundational pieces of our country. Here in Oregon, we have a history rooted in colonialism and white supremacy and continue to seek ways to heal our harmful past. In order to celebrate Black History Month, honor our Black community members and reflect on a brighter future, I will host a town hall to discuss the bills I have introduced to address the need for racial justice. I hope you will join me.
As always, I appreciate your thoughtful questions and engagement. You can go to my legislative webpage to find out about upcoming events and you can track bills on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).
Sincerely,
 Andrea Salinas, State Representative
Upcoming Event: Virtual Town Hall on Feb. 20
 I invite you as I host a townhall on Saturday, February 20, (9:00 am-10:30) to celebrate Black History Month and BIPOC initiatives. I will be joined by OHA, who will discuss equity in the COVID-19 response, and by several community organizations who will discuss several of my priority bills for the 2021 session:
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HB 2366: To restore voting rights to incarcerated Oregonians.
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HB 2329: To initiate a process to change the state song.
- A bill to create a Universal Legal Representation program.
Space is limited to 100 participants, so please register in advance here. If you have any questions, please email them in advance to rep.andreasalinas@oregonlegislature.gov. I hope that you’re able to join us!
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get vaccinated?
Vaccines are scarce but there will eventually be enough for everyone who wants one. Right now, places that are giving vaccines—when they have them—include local public health authorities or their partners, hospitals and vaccination events. As the vaccine supply increases, you may be able to get vaccinated at other places. For now, due to the limited supply, your primary care provider (your doctor’s office) likely won’t get vaccines. You may also hear about vaccination events on the news. These events will have a way for you to make an appointment to get your shot.
How do I find out if I am eligible to get vaccinated?
Go to covidvaccine.oregon.gov and use the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool. It is designed to help you understand if you are eligible. You will want to register to get updates on vaccination opportunities. If you need help getting registered, ask someone to help or reach out to 211:
When can I get vaccinated?
As of February 8, here is a list of who can get vaccinated. Most older adults will not be able to get appointments for a vaccine for the next few weeks. You’ve waited a long time. It’s hard to wait but we ask that you please have patience. We are dependent on the federal vaccine supply. Some counties are still vaccinating other eligible adults and the federal vaccine supply is scarce.
Where can I go for more information?
If you can’t get your COVID-19 vaccine question answered on the website, by text, or by email, call the call center at 211 or 1-866-698-6155. It is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including holidays. Wait times may be long due to high call volumes. There is an option to get a call back rather than wait on hold. English and Spanish are spoken at the call center. Free interpretation is available for all other languages. TTY: Dial 711 or call 1-866-698-6155.
New Features on OHA's Vaccination Site
OHA’s vaccination website features facts about COVID-19 vaccines. As of February 8, 2021, the website also includes a new tool, Get Vaccinated Oregon. This tool will allow people to determine if they are currently eligible for a vaccine and register to get email alerts or text notifications when they become eligible. Once eligible to be vaccinated, this tool will help direct users to vaccine events in their area. This tool will be open to all Oregonians. Using this tool does not guarantee users a specific "spot in line." Once eligible, notified users may use the tool to find a vaccine event in their area.
What ID do I need to bring with me to prove my eligibility?
OHA does not require proof that someone vaccinated is eligible, and doesn’t plan to request verification from vaccinating providers. Vaccine providers themselves may require an individual to declare, through a verbal declaration or in some other way, they are in an eligible group before they receive a vaccine. People will receive proof they’ve been vaccinated. Do not lose the card you are given.
How much will it cost? Do I need to have insurance to get a vaccine?
COVID vaccines will be free for you. You do not need health insurance. If you have health insurance, vaccine providers may charge your insurance company an administration fee for giving you the vaccine. This means that you might be asked for your insurance information when you get the COVID vaccine. Vaccine providers cannot charge you for giving you a vaccine, but it is important that you bring your insurance information if you have health insurance.
I need help getting to a vaccine clinic. Can I be provided transportation to get vaccinated? How do I arrange for that?
If you are an Oregon Health Plan member and need a ride to get a vaccine, rides are free. Find the OHP ride services in your area here. You can also call your CCO plan.
Will I have to wait in line?
Many vaccination sites and events will ask you to pre-register so that they can safely manage the flow of patients. Large vaccine sites are also working to make sure their sites are accessible for older adults, particularly those who have mobility issues. But you also may have to wait. We encourage you to plan ahead.
I have a caregiver who helps me with my health care needs and doctor appointments. Can they also get vaccinated if they come with me?
Only if your caregiver is also eligible. If your caregiver is part of a phase that is eligible, then they can get vaccinated anytime. If not, they are not eligible to get a vaccine yet.
What happens after I get a vaccine?
You will still need to wear a mask and socially distance after getting the vaccine for now. Things can’t go back to normal until enough people are vaccinated. We don't know yet if a person who got both shots can still spread COVID-19. We don’t want you to spread it to people who haven’t yet been vaccinated. It is important to keep wearing a mask, stay 6 feet from others, wash your hands, and not spend time with people you don’t live with.
You will also need to get two doses of the vaccine.
For most kinds of the vaccine, you will need to get two shots. You get the second shot 3 or 4 weeks after you get the first one. It is important for you to get both shots for the vaccine to work. Talk to who gave you the first shot about when you can get your second shot. You should get your second dose at the same place you got your first one. Do this unless the nurse or doctor tells you to get your second dose somewhere else. You need to make sure your second dose is the same brand as your first vaccine dose.
What if I get exposed to COVID-19 after my first dose?
If you are exposed to COVID, you should follow the public health guidelines and stay home for 14 days even if you’ve gotten your first shot.
How long will I need to be observed for after I am vaccinated?
You will be observed for 15-30 minutes. This means you need to wait where you got your shot so the vaccine provider can watch you to make sure you’re feeling okay.
What are the vaccine side effects?
After getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you will probably have a sore arm. You might have muscle aches, joint pain, tiredness, headache, chills, or maybe a fever. (Fever is less common.) This often means the vaccine is working to keep your body healthy. These are normal signs that your body is building protection. Sometimes these side effects may stop you from doing your normal activities for a couple days. Most of these side effects should go away in a few days.
Who should I call if I have side effects: the vaccination site or my primary care provider?
Side effects are common after COVID-19 vaccination. If you have concerns about any side effects after you leave the vaccination site, you should contact your primary care provider. Or you can go to an urgent care or emergency facility.
Will I need to keep wearing a mask and being physically distant?
You will still need to wear a mask and socially distance after getting the vaccine for now. Things can’t go back to normal until enough people are vaccinated. However, we don't know yet if a person who got both shots can still spread COVID-19. We don’t want you to spread it to people who haven’t yet been vaccinated. It is important to keep wearing a mask, stay 6 feet from others, wash your hands, and not spend time with people you don’t live with.
Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) Scheduled to Open
Understanding and patience is recognized and appreciated as we navigate through this incredibly dynamic and complex time. However, there is reason to celebrate as Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Superintendent, LOSD has announced a confirmed date for transitioning Hybrid in-person elementary students with a start date of Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Following is the timeline for all grades:
- Kindergarten & Grade 1: Tuesday, Feb. 23
- Grade 2 & Grade 3: Monday, March 1
- Grade 4 & Grade 5: Friday, March 5
- Grades 6-12: tentative plans for start of 4th quarter, week of April 12
Principals will be providing information about reopening details and preparing students for in-person school. This will include information about class assignments based on teacher and student change requests, and sharing a video with families on “a day in the life” to communicate what elementary students may expect when returning to the buildings. There will be no school supply lists as the district will be providing all necessary tools for learning.
For additional information, please read the updated Frequently Asked Questions on LOSD’s Roadmap to Reopening.
Portland Public Schools (PPS) Scheduled to Reopen
While Portland schools aren’t likely to fully open for the rest of this academic year, students will have the chance to begin transitioning back into classroom-based learning this spring. The tentative reopening plan is as follows:
- Starting the week of Jan. 24, PPS students who are falling behind are invited to receive on-site support at Madison High School
- Starting on Feb. 8, the district will open 19 school sites for limited in-person learning (up to two hours per day)
- Starting on Feb. 22, 45 school sites will be opened for limited in-person learning
- By Mar. 1, the PPS plans to have all campuses open for limited in-person learning
- On April 8, PPS will open its elementary and middle schools to offer optional hybrid instruction for all students grade 8 and below
These reopening plans, of course, are contingent on COVID cases continuing to trend downwards and educators receiving the vaccinations they need to stay safe.
More information about the PPS plan can be found here.
email: Rep.AndreaSalinas@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1438
address: 900 Court St NE, H-282, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/salinas
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