Couple quick clarifications to my tweet to keep up with the rapid incoming questions. Please look through this thread. But, bottom line, nearly every eligible person will have an employer or case manager. That's who can answer your direct questions best #Covid19 #cripthevote

OR has opened vaccine up to all members of the Phase 1a groups. It's still a narrow population, but it includes health care workers w direct pat contact, ppl living or working in congregate care, and those who receive in home care/in home support services. https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2390v.pdf

You can read more detail about the 1a population here beginning on page 5. https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le3527.pdf

I am proud OR includes people w disabilities receiving comm based services, not just those in cong care. OR plan recognizes support systems include paid& unpaid supports. I'm proud of advocates and @OHAOregon leaders for making that happen. We are unique in this regard. #orpol

Initially, the plan was to vaccinate each group, 1-4 in order. That was challenging. On Tuesday, @OHAOregon opened up vaccines to all four groups to speed distribution. https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le3527b.pdf #orpol

To be clear, there is still some confusion about whether individuals receiving svcs are eligible, or just support people. @OHAOregon clarified tonight to counties they should not turn away eligible individuals with ID/DD. #orpol #cripthevote

Now to practical issues. 1. There still isn't enough vax to get everyone done right away. This will take some time, but process has started! This group will be completed prior to moving onto the next prioritized population which includes teachers and adults in custody. #orpol

2. This is coordinated thru your public health department. If you are a client or family, you need to contact your case manager or service coordinator who will help you find your access point. Your case manager/service coordinator is your best resource right now. #orpol

3. Your doctor isn't ignoring you.Your doc is unlikely to know how you can access this or which group you are in. Your doctor doesn't have doses. Your doc might not even know where to get her dose yet if she doesn't work for a hospital system. Don't get mad at your doc! #orpol

4. Your local pharmacy doesn't have this http://yet.It 's your case worker that knows your local plan.Each county has unique plan based on their resources, space& workforce. Health depts in my district are working with local hospital system to set up vax clinics. #orpol

5. If you are a DSP or PSW, you need to talk to your employer or your union. They will help you get connected with your entry point for a vaccine. Info is coming VERY FAST so please be patient as people figure out how this system works! #orpol

6. If you live or work in a group home or other congregate care facility, it is possible that you will get your vaccine via a partnership with a pharmacy that will come to your site. Again, check with your caseworker or your employer! #orpol #cripthevote #SEIU

7. If you make an appt, it is very important that you show up and show up on time. That helps everyone get access to their vaccine, and ensures no doses get wasted. #orpol #covid19

8. Don't cut the line. OR will have enough vaccine for everyone who wants one. For now, supplies are limited & prioritized in a way that protects most vulnerable, reduces fatalities, reduces transmission rates & keeps health care workers healthy enough to care for rest of us.

9.Say thank you.Your county health workers, hospital leaders, nurses, case managers, & others have been working around the clock to figure out how to get shots in arms of those who need them most as fast as possible.There have been bumps along the way, but these folks are heroes.

10.Can't say this enough. If you have questions, contact your employer, your case worker, your brokerage agent or your service coordinator. If you don't have one of those you likely aren't eligible in Phase 1a. And I promise- your doctor really doesn't have doses. #orpol #covid19

If you want more information about vaccine policy, phasing, priorities, supply and demographics of doses administered its all on the really great @OHAOregon vaccine website here: https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov/  #orpol #orleg

Finally, I get the urgency about this. It's very personal to me. I've struggled to find this information & literally watched it come together in the last 2 days. I am in awe of those making it happen. There are no words for what it means to my family and so many others. #orpol

On Tues, it seemed a path to vaccine for those receiving comm based services was nowhere to be found. But thx to ldrs at @SamHealth , @BentonCoGov & Linn Co, hundreds of these ppl will start getting vax next wk in my district. Other counties too! It's truly remarkable. #orpol

Again, I am so proud of OR for including people w ID/DD at high risk, elderly people aging in place w in home supports& those who provide those supports in vax plan. It's consistent w our commitment to comm based supports. It's truly values in action. #orpol #cripthevote #covid19