Immunization Information for Dentists

In 2019, Governor Kate Brown signed legislation allowing Oregon licensed dentists to administer vaccines after completing Board-approved required training and following relevant rules to administer vaccinations safely. The Oregon Administrative Rule for dental administration of vaccine, OAR 410-123-1262, also includes vaccination reporting requirements:

• Using the routine immunization schedules published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, available for children and adults.
• Follow Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved Model Immunization Protocols for vaccine administration and treatment of adverse events.
• Provide a copy of the current Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to the patient or their representative for each vaccine administered. Links to instructions and translations are available here.
• Report adverse events to the federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS).
• Oregon administrative rules also require reporting adverse events to the Oregon Board of Dentistry within 10 business days.
• Report vaccine administration to the ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS) within 14 days.
• Immunization Reporting for Oregon Dentists - A Guide to Getting Started

Vaccine Storage and Handling and Administration

• Immunization Administration for Oregon Dentists - A Quick-Start Guide
• Vaccine Administration Resource Library (CDC)
• You Call the Shots - An interactive, web-based immunization training course from the CDC. Starting with the following modules is recommended. While these training are CME-eligible, users can scroll past the CME instructions to the "Continue" link at the bottow to view each module.
• Understanding the Basics: General Best Practice Guidelines on Immunization
• Vaccine Administration
• Vaccine Storage and Handling
• Oregon Model Immuization Protocols (formerly Standing Orders)

Vaccine for Children Program (VFC)

A dental practice interested in vaccinating may also wish to participate in the Vaccines for Children program (VFC), which supplies federally purchased vaccines to participating health care providers at no cost, for immunizing eligible children through age 18. If your clinic wishes to enroll in VFC contact the Oregon Immunization Program Helpdesk at 1-800-980-9431 or vfc.help@dhsoha.state.or.us to begin the enrollment process.

• VFC Program Overview
• VFC Billing Resources

Vaccine Access Program (VAP)

For dental practices interested in providing no-cost vaccines intended for uninsured adults and VFC-eligible children as well as low-cost vaccines for privately insured children and adults, it is possible to become a Vaccine Access Provider and receive vaccines from the Oregon Immunization Program. Your clinic is only billed for those patients who are privately insured. If your clinic wishes to enroll in VAP, contact the Oregon Immunization Program Helpdesk at 1-800-980-9431 or vfc.help@dhsoha.state.or.us to begin the enrollment process.

• VAP Overview
• VAP Billing Resources

Purchasing Vaccine

Vaccine can be ordered directly from various vaccine manufacturers, or through pharmaceutical distribution companies. Some manufacturers may refer you to a distributor.