Oregonians looking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine can now do so more conveniently at their local pharmacies. In a significant move, Oregon has officially diverged from federal COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, implementing its own set of recommendations and a series of regulatory changes aimed at eliminating obstacles to vaccination.
Under the new regulations, pharmacists in Oregon are now authorized to administer COVID-19 shots to most individuals without requiring a prescription. This change is complemented by a mandate that state-regulated health plans must cover these vaccinations at no cost to patients. The intention behind this shift is to streamline the vaccination process and make it more accessible for residents.
The recent regulatory changes align with updated regional guidance released by the West Coast Health Alliance, a collaborative effort among Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii. This guidance recommends the new seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for anyone aged 6 months and older who wishes to receive it. Notably, these recommendations extend beyond the current federal guidance, which does not include most healthy children and adults.
State officials emphasize that these changes are designed to minimize confusion and ensure that Oregonians who wish to get vaccinated can do so ahead of the impending winter virus season. In recent weeks, the process of obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon has been fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Historically, the state has aligned its vaccination policies with federal guidance, which led to a standstill when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved new COVID-19 vaccines but restricted eligibility.
Compounding the issue, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s immunization expert panel had yet to release its guidance, leaving Oregon pharmacies in a difficult position, often having to turn away customers. In response, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy has enacted emergency rules that allow pharmacists to prescribe and administer COVID-19 vaccines to patients aged 7 and older, aligning this process with other vaccines available in pharmacies. However, children under the age of 7 will still need to receive the vaccine through their primary care provider or a clinic, as pharmacists are not permitted to administer COVID-19 or RSV shots to younger children.
To further enhance access to vaccination, Oregon mandates that state-regulated health insurance plans cover the updated COVID-19 shot without any copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. This requirement applies to plans available on the state’s health insurance marketplace and those provided through the Oregon Educators Benefit Board. Additionally, the Oregon Health Plan, which serves over 1.4 million residents, will also cover the costs of the shots, along with health plans for state employees.
It is important to note that the new state regulations do not affect federal programs such as Medicare and Tricare, which will continue to adhere to federal guidelines. Furthermore, large employers with self-funded health plans remain exempt from these state rules, as those plans are governed by federal regulations. Consequently, some Oregonians may need to verify their insurance coverage before proceeding with vaccination.
With these changes, Oregon aims to simplify the vaccination process and encourage more residents to protect themselves against COVID-19 as the winter season approaches.
