PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregonians hoping to get their updated COVID-19 booster shots are running into obstacles as conflicting state and federal policies sow confusion among doctors, pharmacists, and patients alike.
Seniors Face Barriers
Portland residents William and Karen Thomas, both over 65, said their attempts to schedule booster appointments have been frustrating and fruitless.
“We go and get our booster whenever it’s time,” Karen Thomas explained. “We were ready to get our booster and be done, and instead, we wasted our time going down there. I’ve been checking around ever since and it’s all very confusing.”
Her husband echoed her concern:
“We’re at the age where we’re allowed to get these shots, and we’re having trouble getting them,” William Thomas said.
Federal Approval, But No Final Recommendation
The problem stems from a disconnect between federal agencies. Last month, the FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for people 65 and older, as well as children and adults with at least one high-risk medical condition.
However, the CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) has yet to issue its official recommendation. That meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18–19 — later than in previous years.
In the meantime, Oregon state policy forbids pharmacists from giving the vaccine without a prescription. But multiple patients report that doctors have been hesitant to write those prescriptions, citing uncertainty.
“They said that they were having to deal with the authorities on that and they couldn’t give us a prescription,” William Thomas recalled.
Growing Frustration in the Community
For people like the Thomases, the delay feels like a setback after years of diligence in protecting themselves.
“We shouldn’t have to feel like we’re going to be on the edge of catching this virus again,” Karen said. “We’ve had it before, but not badly because we were vaccinated. That’s what makes this so horrible.”
Pharmacists say they share those frustrations. Pat Hubbell, owner of Brooklyn Pharmacy, criticized the delay.
“It is unfortunate that they were unable to release these recommendations before the season got started,” Hubbell said. “This creates a lot of confusion. It creates chaos within the health care community and our patient community. It probably could have been avoided.”
Mixed Experiences at Clinics
Other Oregonians are also running into barriers. Duane Medley said his physician was initially hesitant to issue a prescription.
“They said, ‘Well, we don’t have clear protocol yet. We’re not sure what to do,’” Medley recalled. He eventually did receive authorization, but only after persistence.
These inconsistent experiences highlight the lack of clarity that both patients and providers are facing in Oregon.
Neighboring States Offer Simpler Path
The situation stands in contrast to Washington state, where the Department of Health issued a standing order last week allowing anyone six months or older to receive the vaccine without a prescription.
Medley said he wants Oregon to follow Washington’s example.
“Whatever it takes to make the process easier should be done,” he said.
State Officials Weigh Options
A spokesperson for Gov. Tina Kotek confirmed that the governor’s office is exploring a similar standing order for Oregon, though no timeline has been provided.
Until ACIP finalizes its recommendation later this month, patients and providers remain stuck in limbo — waiting for clarity while appointments are canceled and confidence erodes.
For seniors like William and Karen Thomas, the delay feels deeply personal. “We’ve done everything right,” Karen said. “Now we just want access to the vaccine we’re supposed to be able to get.”
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