January 13, 2021 3:50 a.m.

Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Governor Kate Brown has announced that Oregon will be expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to includes all individuals age 65 and older.

A release said the federal government has announced that it will be releasing its full reserve of vaccines available to states, rather than holding some doses in storage. Brown said vaccination of Oregon seniors – as well as child care providers and early learning and K-12 educators and staff – will start on January 23rd when additional vaccine shipments are expected to begin arriving from the federal government.

Brown said the change at the federal level was unexpected but is “…welcome news for states”. Brown said Oregon is “…ready to develop all resources necessary to ramp up distribution with our health care providers”.

The release said detailed plans for the rapid deployment of vaccines to health care providers and mass vaccination sites across Oregon will be announced by Governor Brown and the Oregon Health Authority on Friday.