Oregon Health Authority Expands Pharmacy Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Ages 7 and Older
PORTLAND, Ore. – Sept. 4, 2026 – Today, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a statewide standing order authorizing Oregon-licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines to eligible patients ages 7 and older. The standing order follows recommendations from the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season and eliminates the requirement for patients to obtain a separate, patient-specific prescription from a healthcare provider in order to receive their vaccine at an Oregon pharmacy.
This was issued pursuant to Senate Bill 1598 (2026), which authorizes the Oregon Public Health Officer to issue a standing order to prescribe a drug to control, prevent, mitigate or treat any infectious or noninfectious disease. It will serve as a vital bridge for Oregonians to readily access the COVID-19 vaccine until the Public Health and Pharmacy Formulary Advisory Committee and Board are able to review final recommendations from the WCHA.
For the standing order and other relevant information, see the links below.