Providence offered insiders early access to COVID-19 vaccine Updated Feb 04, 2021; Posted Feb 04, 2021 A year ago, hospitals were gearing up virus testing centers. Now, they're administering the vaccine, but only under strict rules of priority. Beth Nakamura/Staff Facebook Share Providence Health & Services gave early access to coveted COVID-19 vaccines to some members of its Oregon governing and foundation boards in December and January. Lisa Vance, CEO of Providence Oregon, said the practice amounted to preferential treatment for insiders, some of whom are also donors. The Oregon Health Authority said Providence’s actions didn’t meet the state’s guidelines for initial vaccine distribution.