Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a standing order that lets vaccine providers across the state begin giving updated COVID-19 vaccines.
The statewide order signed last week by Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., OHA’s health officer and state epidemiologist, matches similar steps taken in the other three West Coast Health Alliance (WHCA) states—Washington, California, and Hawaii.
The order aims to protect:
- Children younger than 2
- Adults 65 and older
- People with underlying medical conditions
- Pregnant people
- Previously unvaccinated children
- People living in group settings
- Health care workers
The order also continues to make vaccines available for anyone ages 2 to 65 who wants them.
The announcement follows WHCA recommendations for the upcoming respiratory virus season. The recommendations come from 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).
Why vaccination matters
Immunization is still the best protection against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Seasonal vaccines help prevent serious illness, reduce hospitalizations, limit spread, and reduce strain on health care systems.
On Sept. 4, Sidelinger expressed delight that anyone who wants protection from COVID-19 can now get the vaccine. He added, “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.”
How to get the vaccine
People can get COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines by:
- Contacting their health plan or health care provider
- Contacting county and federally qualified clinics and health centers
- Searching by zip code at vaccines.gov
- Calling 211
- Visiting 211info.org
About the West Coast Health Alliance
The WHCA s a partnership between California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. The Alliance works to ensure public health recommendations are based on safety, efficacy, transparency, access, and trust. For more information, visit Oregon’s WCHA page.