Deschutes County Health Services provides update on COVID-19 vaccines

Concerns about rising COVID-19 cases and the recent change to federal vaccine guidelines have led to uncertainty and questions from our community regarding the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. Deschutes County Health Services (DCHS) wants to share what we currently know about COVID vaccine guidance and access.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine on Aug. 27, limiting eligibility to individuals with high-risk health conditions and adults age 65 and older. Several national medical professional organizations have released their own eligibility recommendations including the American Academy of Pediatricsand the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologyfor children and pregnant people, respectively, and the American Academy for Family Physiciansfor adults under 65. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) supports the recommendations of these medical professional societies and is awaiting further guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

At this time, there are two ways to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon : at a health care provider's office or at a pharmacy with a provider's prescription. Vaccine manufacturers have begun shipping the vaccines and they are slowly making their way to the state. It is possible that pharmacies will receive COVID vaccine supplies before local clinics. DCHS recommends contacting your health care provider or pharmacy to find out if they have vaccines available and if you are eligible to receive one.

Deschutes County Health Services does NOT currently have any COVID-19 vaccines in stock. DCHS receives its vaccine supplies from the Oregon Health Authority, which is still awaiting details from the CDC on when the vaccine will be distributed to Oregon. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is due to meet Sept. 18-19.

In the meantime, community members are encouraged to:

• Follow Proven Prevention Methods: Wash your hands regularly, clean frequently touched surfaces, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home when you're sick, and test for COVID-19, seeking prompt treatment if you're at higher risk. Consider wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor settings, especially when community levels are high, and when around older adults, young children, or individuals with chronic conditions.

• Stay Informed: Oregon recently joined Washington, California, and Hawaii to form the West Coast Health Alliance, which aims to provide clear, science-based vaccine guidance and ensure people can access recommended vaccines during the upcoming respiratory virus season. OHA will keep both the public and providers informed as more information becomes available through the OHA immunization website.

• Consult Health Care Providers: If you believe you may be eligible for a COVID-19 booster or have questions about vaccine availability, please contact your health care provider or pharmacist, and consult your individual insurance plan.

For more information about COVID-19, including symptoms and guidance on testing and treatment, please visit the DCHS website. You can also visit the Data and Reports page for our seasonal Respiratory Reports.

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Media contact:

Sarah Van Meter, Immunization Program Coordinator

(541) 388-6587