Some Oregon Citizens are Jumping the Vaccination Line

KGW has been informed by dozens of people that, though they are outside of the 1a category, they have still been able to receive COVID vaccines at a mass vaccination clinic in Salem.   

The clinic, which is run by Salem Health and the National Guard, is set up to serve health care workers, caretakers, and those who live in long-term care facilities – all of whom fall into Oregon’s 1a vaccine category. However, many have reached out to KGW and have posted on social media that despite not being in this category, they were able to get the vaccine.  

Brian Hines and his wife, who live in Salem, told KGW that they decided to try and get the vaccine despite not falling under category 1a. They are in their early 70’s, and Mrs. Hines has asthma.   

The pair signed up online, told a National Guard member at the clinic who they were and how they signed up, and then were waved through and received the vaccine that same day.  

Salem Health states on its website that only those in the 1a category should receive the vaccine, but the clinic also does not require ID for proof of qualification. However, a spokeswoman with Salem Health, Lisa Wood, told KGW that some vaccines are being given out to avoid them being wasted and thrown away.   

As people begin to become antsy about receiving the COVID vaccine, health officials are reminding citizens to wait their turn and to not try to cross state borders to receive the shot, as it can mess up the system.  

 In Benton County, vaccinations are currently under way thanks to a partnership between Samaritan Health Services and Benton County Health Department. Like the rest of the state, Benton County will be distributing the vaccine according to CDC and OHA prioritization guidelines.  

Those who are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine now (in category 1a) are required to complete a vaccine assessment survey to schedule an appointment to receive the shot.   

If you are included in Phase 1a, you can take the survey in English here, or in Spanish here.   

By Cara Nixon