Oregon Vaccines For Kids 5-11 Can Start Today, Governor Says

PORTLAND, OR — The last major group of unvaccinated people in Oregon are now eligible for the shot. Governor Brown said that starting today, children ages 5-11 years old are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19.

The announcement follows the recommendation of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup reviewed information from the FDA and CDC. The group was convened by the governors of Oregon, Washington, California, and Nevada.

The group was unanimous in its decision.

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"This is great news for Oregon children, parents, and families," Gov. Brown said. "Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect ourselves and our loved ones."

The Oregon Health Authority says

"We are excited to be able to start immunizing school-age children against COVID-19, which should bring relief to many parents and guardians, and those who work in education and child care,” OHA Director Patrick Allen said.

"We hope vaccinating kids will help our communities continue to build population immunity that will protect our children, help keep them in school and ultimately bring this pandemic to an end."

Oregon is initially receiving about 130,000 does that will be distributed to 350 sites across the state.

The federal government is also providing 60,000 doses to 87 pharmacy sites around the state.