The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently released information on the COVID-19 vaccine, distribution, and recommended sequencing plan. Licensed massage therapists fall under “health care practitioners” in Oregon’s Phase 1a Group 4. See page 9 of the linked document.
If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the OHA’s COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon website. This resource provides information on vaccine safety and effectiveness, vaccine prioritization and sequencing plans, a visual dashboard of vaccine doses administered daily, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Phase 1a is comprised of four groups:
Group 1: hospitals; urgent care; skilled nursing and memory care facility HCP and residents; tribal health programs; EMS providers and other first responders
Group 2: other LTCFs and congregate care sites, including HCP and residents, hospice programs, mobile crisis care and related services, secure transport, and individuals working in a correctional setting
Group 3: outpatient settings serving specific high-risk groups, in-home care, day treatment services, and non-emergency medical transport
Group 4: Health care practitioners in other outpatient, public health, and early learning settings; death care workers
As of January 5, 2021, OHA announced they will start vaccinating individuals in all four groups within Phase 1a, rather than sequencing the groups in order as initially planned. OHA is working to finalize the distribution plans across the state, including how smaller outpatient clinics can register for the vaccine. OHA estimates that there are close to 400,000 front line workers for Phase 1a in Oregon and limited supplies. The exact timing of when vaccine doses will be available will depend on supply.
If you have questions or concerns, email us at gr@abmp.com.