Update: COVID-19 Vaccines

October 9, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted recommendations by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to apply “individual-based decision-making” to COVID-19 vaccination. Previously, COVID-19 vaccinations were broadly recommended as a routine preventative measure for most people in the U.S. The new guidelines call for people to talk with a doctor or other health care provider about whether they should get the vaccine. See below for Oregon’s guidance on COVID-19 vaccines.

In related news, a review of meta-analyses comprising more than 1.2 million women found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was safe and beneficial, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) annual meeting. Vaccination during pregnancy was associated with lowered maternal risks of COVID-19 infection, stillbirth and preterm birth. See the AAP website and American Medical Association (AMA) website for additional guidance. 

September 19, 2025

On September 19, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted against requiring a prescription for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the committee voted against broadly recommending COVID-19 vaccines, saying that people who want one should consult with a health care provider.

September 17, 2025

Gov. Tina Kotek announced on September 17, 2025, that Oregon has coordinated vaccine recommendations through the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA); all people older than 6 months of age will now be able to obtain COVID vaccines without a prescription in Oregon. The WHCA recommendations also include guidance on flu and RSV vaccines. An FAQ from the WHCA is available here.

The governor directed five state agencies — Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), Oregon Board of Pharmacy (OBOP), Oregon Medical Board (OMB) and Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) — to work together to make the vaccines available to people in Oregon:

  • Guidance from OHA requires Medicaid to cover vaccines recommended by the WCHA.
  • Through the Division of Financial Regulation, DCBS issued a bulletin stating that health benefit plans must continue to provide coverage for COVID vaccines without cost-sharing.
  • OBOP confirmed that as of Wednesday, September 17, Oregon licensed pharmacists are permitted to prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with WCHA recommendations. Children ages 6 months to 7 years old will not be able to get vaccinated at pharmacies.
  • OMB stated that Oregon physicians and physician associates can prescribe and administer vaccines and published an FAQ affirming the WCHA recommendations.
  • OSBN also stated that Oregon nurses can administer vaccines without fear of disciplinary action.

Representatives from each state agency and licensing board answered questions at a media briefing this evening, posted here.

The WHCA has stated that their guidelines are based on COVID-19 epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness, safety data, and the recommendations of trusted national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

On September 16, AHIP (America's Health Insurance Plans) released a statement confirming that health plans will continue to cover all COVID-19 and flu vaccines with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026.

Please contact the OMA if you experience any issues related to COVID vaccine prescriptions.