Pharmacies Resume Vaccinations
PORTLAND, Ore. — After weeks of confusion surrounding eligibility, updated COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available at Safeway, Albertsons, and CVS pharmacies across Oregon and Washington — no prescription required.
Customers welcomed the shift, with one Portland shopper noting relief after being told differently only days before. “I called earlier and they weren’t [available] — and now they are, and I’m going,” she said outside a Safeway in the Pearl District on Wednesday.
Confusion Over Federal Guidance
The uncertainty began when new federal guidance suggested updated COVID-19 shots would only be available to individuals over 65, those with high-risk medical conditions, or those who could provide a doctor’s prescription.
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The move marked a dramatic change from previous years, when vaccines were recommended broadly as part of routine fall health measures. The decision came after sweeping changes at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His leadership included firing the CDC director and placing new restrictions on vaccine access.
Adding to the disruption, Kennedy’s vaccine advisory panel declined to recommend COVID-19 shots for any population, even high-risk groups such as seniors. This left the decision entirely to individuals, breaking with years of public health practice.
States Step In With Regional Guidance
In response, Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii — acting together as the West Coast Health Alliance — issued directives to ensure residents could receive the updated vaccine without prescriptions. The four-state bloc, formed earlier in September, said the policy shift was critical to prevent unnecessary barriers to access.
Oregon State Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger said that while delays and mixed messages frustrated many, the final guidelines now look similar to what residents have experienced in past years. “Some pharmacies may not have all the stock in place and may not have updated their protocols, but … people were really happy to see those changes from the Board of Pharmacy,” he said.
Availability for Adults and Children
Safeway and Albertsons confirmed that the updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available for individuals ages 7 and older at their pharmacies. Children under 7 will still need to see their pediatrician for vaccination.
Pharmacists say the prescription requirement had caused widespread confusion. “Of course, it’s inconvenient for them,” said Fariba Monfared, an Albertsons pharmacist overseeing patient care services in Oregon and Washington. “And also confusing because they didn’t understand because it wasn’t required in the past. I don’t blame them at all. It’s definitely something new.”
Public Reactions and Expectations
For many customers, the updated vaccine feels like a natural part of seasonal health precautions. “It should be like the flu shot,” said one Safeway shopper as she held her 2-year-old son. “Always, every year, just in case. We don’t want anything going bad again.”
Pharmacies are reporting increased interest as more people learn that the prescription barrier has been removed. Health officials say insurance coverage remains similar to prior years, though customers are encouraged to confirm coverage before scheduling appointments.
Looking Ahead
With the rollout now back on track, Oregon and Washington health leaders hope public confidence will grow. The Oregon Health Authority emphasized that pharmacies are steadily receiving vaccine shipments and adapting their protocols, which should reduce confusion moving forward.
“Hopefully, less confusion in Oregon this week over last week,” Sidelinger said.
As fall begins and respiratory illness season looms, health officials urge residents to consider vaccination, especially those at higher risk. The availability of updated COVID-19 shots without a prescription marks a significant step toward restoring consistent access across the Pacific Northwest.
