How to get vaccinated in Oregon (update 9/14)

Where we stand in Oregon right now

Although much has been made of the new federal regulations, there actually aren’t regulations yet, merely recommendations. ACIP, the group that creates the regulations, does not meet until 9/18. Their regulations are what usually kicks off individual states making their own recommendations as a result.

Because ACIP was delayed, and because the gov’t recommendations are so anti-science, many states have decided to create their own executive orders that supercede the federal recommendations. Oregon is not one of them. Gov Kotek claims that other states gov’t is set up to allow executive orders, while Oregon is not. You can help by sending her a note about how hard it is for you to get vaccinated right now.

Until 9/18, pharmacists in Oregon are guided by OHA regulations issued 9/5, which essentially say that if you’re over 65, you don’t need a script, and under 65, you need a script from a physician. There is no provision for those with qualifying conditions.

What does this mean for me getting a vaccine in Oregon?

Despite this 9/5 guidance, pharmacists are playing fast and loose with their vaccines. Some places only vaccinate those over 65, and only when they have scripts, and won’t vaccinate anyone under 65, even with a script. Some places will vaccinate with a script. Some places don’t seem to care. Pediatric doses are incredibly hard to come by, and pharmacists can only vaccinate kids 7 and older in Oregon.

If you have Kaiser insurance, they’ve begun vaccinating members by appointment, without requiring pre-qualifications as of 9/15.

Oregonians can get vaccinated by going to Washington State

Washington State has a standing order which allows pharmacists to vaccinate anyone, on demand, ages 2 and up. This order applies to Oregonians (and anyone else who shows up), so you can go anywhere in WA state and get vaxxed. The only trouble is finding the dose you want (pediatric doses are hard to find still) and getting insurance to cover it, particularly if you have OHP.

Some Vancouver pharmacists are in some OHP networks. We are currently working with Square Care, in Vancouver, which is an independent pharmacy. Square Care covers everything but United, Aetna, and Kaiser. They cover OHP for OHSU/Trillium/Providence. They are stocking Moderna pediatric and adult doses, and have Novavax on order. (Sanofi expects to start shipping Novavax 9/15, but no promises).

To obtain a vaccine, check your insurance website (including OHP) or call your nurse line (its on your insurance card or you can google for it) and find a pharmacy within network. Call the pharmacy, and see what they have in stock.