Health-care providers and pharmacists across Oregon can once again administer the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine without requiring a prescription, following updated guidance announced this week by state health authorities.
The Oregon Health Authority announced the change Wednesday as part of coordinated vaccine recommendations from the West Coast Health Alliance, which includes Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii.
The updated vaccine is available to all Oregonians 6 months and older through health-care providers or pharmacies. Pharmacists are authorized to vaccinate individuals 7 years of age and older without requiring a prescription, thanks to regulatory updates from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy.
“Shipments of the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine will continue arriving at health-care offices and pharmacies in Benton County as supply increases,” Benton County Health Services said through a press release, though it added that the county health department does not currently have vaccines in stock.
Major health-care systems are preparing to implement the new guidelines. Samaritan Health Services announced it has placed direct orders with Moderna and expects shipments to begin soon at its pharmacies.
The West Coast Health Alliance specifically recommends the updated vaccine for children under 2 years of age, pregnant women, adults over 65, individuals with risk factors for severe disease, and anyone seeking additional protection.
Insurance coverage remains robust for the vaccines. Medicaid, Medicare and most commercial insurers will continue covering the cost, and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has mandated that all state health benefit plans cover COVID-19 vaccines without cost-sharing. Patients are advised to confirm coverage with their specific insurance plans.
While Samaritan pharmacies will not require prescriptions under the new guidance, some community pharmacies may still require both prescriptions and appointments. Patients using those pharmacies may need to contact their health-care providers for prescriptions.