The Oregon Health Authority issued a standing order Friday, allowing healthcare providers statewide to start administering updated COVID vaccines.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregonians may be able to receive newly formulated COVID-19 vaccines as soon as this weekend.
On Friday, the Oregon Health Authority issued a standing order, which acts as a prescription to allow healthcare providers statewide to start administering updated COVID vaccines to anyone who is eligible.
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OHA said the standing order is based on data for people with the highest risk of developing a severe case of COVID. That includes children younger then 2 years old, adults 65 and older, people of all ages with underlying medical conditions, people who are pregnant, unvaccinated children, people who live with others, and healthcare workers.
The standing order also recommends that COVID vaccines be made available to anyone who chooses to get them.
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“We are delighted that anyone who wants protection can get the COVID-19 vaccine starting this weekend,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “I join my public health colleagues in the other West Coast Health Alliance member states in celebrating this important step toward ensuring our communities are well prepared for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.”
The standing order follows similar recommendations made by the West Coast Health Alliance — a partnership between Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii.
OHA said that immunization is the best protection against respiratory viruses including COVID, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
People looking to get an updated COVID vaccine can contact their healthcare provider or pharmacy.