SALEM, Ore. – Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday defended her administration’s efforts to secure affordable access to the COVID-19 vaccine, pushing back against criticism that Oregon lags behind other states in rolling out shots ahead of the fall respiratory illness season.
Federal Policy Shift Sparks Confusion
The problems trace back to a federal shake-up earlier this summer. In June, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all members of the federal vaccine advisory panel and replaced them with vaccine skeptics. The panel, whose recommendations typically guide pharmacists and physicians across the country, is not scheduled to meet until Sept. 18-19 to consider safety guidance for the updated shot.
In late August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added to the uncertainty by tightening eligibility, limiting the vaccine to people 65 and older or those with underlying health conditions that put them at risk of severe illness. The sudden restrictions prompted a scramble among states to maintain access.
Days later, Oregon joined Washington, California, and Hawaii to create a “West Coast Health Alliance”, pledging to safeguard vaccine availability regardless of federal decisions.
Oregon’s Struggles Compared to Other States
Despite the alliance, Oregon has faced criticism for being slower to act than other states. Massachusetts, Washington, and Pennsylvania moved quickly to guarantee access by requiring insurers to cover shots, allowing pharmacists to follow mainstream medical group guidance, or issuing statewide standing orders permitting pharmacists and nurses to administer the vaccine without prescriptions.
By contrast, Oregon pharmacies began requiring prescriptions under guidelines set by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, which deferred to the absent federal advisory panel. The result has been canceled appointments, confusion among providers, and frustration for patients seeking shots.
Kotek’s Response
Kotek spokesperson Lucas Bezerra acknowledged the difficulties but said the governor is “frustrated with the federal government’s narrower eligibility and lack of clarity,” which created what he called a “patchwork-like environment for something as basic as vaccine access.”
Bezerra explained that Oregon lacks a state law granting the governor the broad authority to issue a standing order like Washington did. “Oregon does not have the same authority, but there may be indirect pathways that allow for an action of this kind,” he said.
According to Bezerra, Kotek has directed staff across five agencies to urgently develop solutions that are “least disruptive, and have the lowest cost, for Oregonians hoping to get the pinch this respiratory virus season.”
Frustration Among Providers and Patients
Doctors, pharmacists, and patients across Oregon say the mixed signals have left them in limbo. Some pharmacies scheduled vaccine appointments only to later cancel them, citing the prescription requirement. Others walked back earlier assurances that no prescription would be necessary.
Physicians, meanwhile, remain hesitant to write prescriptions without clear federal or state liability protections. That has left Oregonians uncertain about when, where, and how they will be able to get vaccinated ahead of flu and RSV season.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reported this week that the delays and lack of consistency have compounded frustrations.
Pharmacy Board Defends Its Role
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy, which oversees rules governing vaccine administration, finalized new regulations in August to prepare for updated federal guidance. Initially, the board could not have acted until December, but members accelerated the timeline to respond more quickly once the federal advisory committee meets later this month.
In a written statement, the board said its actions have been misunderstood:
“It is important to understand that no protocol for the 25-26 COVID-19 formulation existed prior to or after FDA approval.”
Board staff also emphasized that Oregon is legally bound to follow CDC advisory panel guidance unless state lawmakers create new authority to act independently.
Looking Ahead
For now, Oregonians eager to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine face continued uncertainty. Kotek has promised to explore every available option to expand access, but much hinges on the federal advisory panel’s Sept. 18-19 meeting and how quickly Oregon can implement its recommendations.
In the meantime, Oregon lags behind states that have found workarounds, leaving many residents feeling caught in a bureaucratic tug-of-war between federal indecision and state limitations.
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