THE GORGE — The COVID-19 vaccine is available without a prescription to everyone 6 months and older, under new guidance for residents of Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii. The guidance was issued Sept. 17.
The four states formed the West Coast Health Alliance, which also offered recommendations for influenza and RSV vaccines for the 2025-26 respiratory season.
North Central Public Health District (NCPHD) will be following the guidance issued by the West Coast Health Alliance, said NCPHD Director Martha McInnes. “We now have clear guidance that we will be following, because we participate in the state immunization program.”
NCPHD anticipates having Covid vaccines the week of Oct. 6, McInnes said.
In a press release, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said, “Vaccination is safe, effective and the best protection available against respiratory viruses like Covid-19, influenza and RSV. Seasonal vaccination is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness, community transition and strain on hospitals.”
Fred Meyer, Safeway and Walgreen’s pharmacies in The Dalles and Walgreen’s in Hood River have the COVID-19 vaccine available. Pharmacies can vaccinate anyone ages 7 and up.
One Community Health has the COVID vaccine for people who are already patients or who are uninsured.
Deschutes Rim Health Clinic in Maupin has flu and COVID vaccines. Sherman County Medical Clinic in Moro offers the flu vaccine for those 6 months and up.
Adventist Health Columbia Gorge clinics offer flu vaccine for patients.
For more information on vaccine availability by type, please visit NCPHD’s seasonal respiratory viruses page.
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