Some of Oregon’s Licensed Medical Workers Have Low Vaccination Rates

According to newly released data, 43% of certified nursing assistants and 40% of licensed practical nurses in Oregon haven’t received even the first shot for a COVID-19 vaccine. Also: 41% of emergency medical technicians don’t have the shot.

Under Oregon law, employers can’t require employees with a medical license to get the vaccine.

The Oregon Health Authority published data this week that shows vaccination rates are higher among doctors (87%), nurse practitioners (79%) and osteopaths (84%).

Dentists, who faced some of the highest risks of COVID-19 by the nature of their profession, have the highest vaccination rate of any license type: 94% have a first dose.

Oregon’s hospital association has called for a change in state law to allow employers to require that licensed health care workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

It intensified its demand in response to the new numbers.

“As the number of hospitals and health systems requiring COVID-19 vaccination for employees continues to grow across the U.S., here in Oregon we can’t even have the conversation,” says Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, in a statement. “Ensuring health care workers are vaccinated protects vulnerable patients, visitors, and coworkers. It is unconscionable to leave tools on the table during a global pandemic. It’s well past time for state leaders to address this misguided policy.”

Oregon Health Authority officials said they are working to get Oregonians vaccinated.

“State public health officials are committed to working with health care providers to vaccinate as many Oregonians as possible, including health care staff, so we can to put the pandemic behind us once and for all,” says OHA spokesman Robb Cowie in an email. “We continue to explore all our options.”

Some of the state’s most powerful political groups aren’t lining up for employer mandates: The Oregon Nurses Association has made the case for employer incentives, while noting that registered nurses have a relatively high acceptance of the vaccine. But more than a quarter of registered nurses still don’t have a first dose, according to the data.

Meanwhile the nursing home industry group—which has a close relationship with its union, Service Employees International Union Local 49—has said mandates would be difficult to achieve because of both state and federal law. “Continued, proactive efforts to increase vaccine confidence is the only path forward to fully emerge from the pandemic and protect the health of Oregonians,” Oregon Health Care Association vice president Rosie Ward told WW last month. “We encourage as many people as possible to get the shot!”

Some of the lowest vaccine rates were in the alternative medical community: 43% of naturopaths as well as half of chiropractors also don’t have even a first shot.

Note: This post has been updated with statements from the hospital association and OHA.