Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%..
Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly this evening. Low 36F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Updated: January 29, 2026 @ 4:22 am
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.
•••
Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented