The Oregon Health Authority has expanded who can administer COVID-19 vaccines, as permitted under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act.

The federal PREP Act amended declaration, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, increases the pool of vaccinators who may not be currently authorized to vaccinate under state law. Individuals contained in this new pool of potential vaccinators must complete training and display a proven ability to administer vaccines.

OHA Director Patrick Allen signed the authorization on March 22, making it immediately effective.

The newly eligible groups who can now administer COVID-19 vaccines include health professionals and health allied professionals who are currently licensed, certified or registered or had an active license, certification or registration within the past five years

A list of the requirements for each of the new eligible categories is outlined in the authorization. See the news release for more details.