January 22, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Save the Date | The Next Live Audio Broadcast is January 26
- COVID-19 Vaccination Summary
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Hot Topics!
Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center
Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, January 26, starting at 12:10 p.m.
Submit your questions or suggestions for future topics.
KPNW COVID-19 Vaccination Summary
Information on KPNW vaccinations, reported as of January 21, 2021:
COVID-19 Vaccine: Hot Topics!
- What’s next for the Oregon Convention Center?
As you know, Wednesday, January 20, we successfully launched a mass vaccination site at the Oregon Convention Center and vaccinated 1,500 people. You can view the press conference, featuring Wendy Watson and COOs from Legacy, Providence and OHSU, here – they shared details about how the site will operate, and how the systems will collaborate. We hope to ramp up soon to 2,000+ vaccinations per day, and then upward from there as supplies allow. The site is closed today, January 22, and reopens Saturday, January 23.
Next week’s hours of operation:
- Saturday, January 23: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, January 25 through Sunday, January 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We are actively planning with our health system partners – Legacy, OHSU, and Providence – to have one scheduling platform hosted by Legacy for the Oregon Convention Center. We expect to stand up a collaborative call center and open up OCC appointments on that platform beginning January 23.
- Are we moving Portland-area vaccine appointments to the Oregon Convention Center?
Yes, we are moving most vaccine appointments to our mass vaccination site at the Oregon Convention Center. However, until February 12, we’re still offering appointments in several medical office buildings – Beaverton, Central Interstate, and Mount Talbert – to make it easier for patients who expect to return to those buildings for their second dose appointments.
- Is there a quick way for members to find COVID-19 vaccine information online?
Yes! Yesterday we launched the vanity URL kp.org/covidvaccine/nw. The vanity URL will directly load our regional COVID-19 vaccine page, removing the need to select your region. This page has the most up-to-date information on who is eligible, how to schedule, how to get on the wait list, and more.
- What do I say if a patient asks, “How will I know when it’s my turn?”
As supplies allow, we’re continuing to offer vaccines to people who meet Oregon and Washington Phase 1A eligibility including front-line health-care workers, individuals working in corrections facilities, residents of skilled nursing facilities, tribal health programs, public health workers, and more.
Federal and state health officials determine eligibility phases. To get the latest information, go to the OHA or WAHD website:
Oregon residents: track eligibility on the Oregon Health Authority website.
Washington residents: track eligibility on the Washington State Health Department website.
- What do I say if a patient asks, “What will the process be to get an appointment or slot?”
We’re actively planning and partnering with state and county organizations to expand vaccinations. These partnerships will allow us to accelerate the amount of vaccine given each day, as soon as it’s delivered. Based on current supply, it is estimated to take a few months to vaccinate Phase 1A, and Phase 1B. If you’re currently Oregon or Washington Phase 1A eligible, and interested in getting the vaccine, please fill out the member COVID-19 Vaccine Member Waitlist on kp.org/covidvaccine/nw. Once you sign up, we’ll notify you when you’re eligible and vaccine supply is available.
- Is it true that people now must receive their vaccine in their state of residence?
Yes. A regional decision has been made by the public health departments in Oregon and Washington that, effective immediately, people will be vaccinated in the state in which they reside. Each state is standing up mass vaccination sites to accomplish this huge task.
PLEASE NOTE: people who have already received their first shot should get their second shot in the state where they received their first. This means that if you live in WA but got your first shot in OR, you can get your second shot in OR, too. That said, if you have already scheduled your second dose in WA, you should keep your appointment.
- Implications for OCC: The new public health guidance means most Portland-area residents will be vaccinated at the Oregon Convention Center. Moving forward, Washington residents receiving their first doses will not be eligible for vaccination at OCC, even if they have a scheduled appointment there. Washington residents currently booked are being contacted to let them know of this new development. Also, planning for a mass vaccination site in Washington at the Clark County Fairgrounds is underway.
- Will we have enough appointments and supplies to administer second doses for those who received the first dose?
If you are eligible (i.e., in Phase 1a) to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and unable to find a first or second dose appointment time, rest assured, more appointment times are coming. Thank you for your patience as we navigate changes in vaccine supply and demand. You can now visit kp.org/covidvaccine/nw to answer questions and join the waitlist.
We recommend you receive your second dose of Pfizer on or after day 21 and the second dose of Moderna vaccine on or after day 28. However, if that is not possible, it is okay to complete your vaccine later and it will still be effective. You will not need to repeat your series.
Situation Update
Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.
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