This week, the Oregon Health Authority expanded who can administer COVID-19 vaccines. The list now includes midwives, dentists, even veterinarians. The “all hands on deck” effort may increase efficiency in the long run but right now the biggest issue is vaccine supply.
At mass vax clinics at the W.O.W Hall in Eugene, White Bird Medical has been administering up to 850 doses of Moderna vaccine each week. Director Chris Hecht said because the vax effort will continue for many months, extra people authorized to give shots is welcome.
“Though White Bird is fortunate to have a large pool of volunteer clinicians administering vaccinations to community members,” he said, “we’re aware that over time folks will burn out.”
Hecht said the primary constraint on expediting vaccinations is supply. He notes they anxiously await shipments of the Johnson and Johnson single dose vaccine. When they do finally arrive in Lane County, his clinics will have plenty of people authorized to administer them.