Updated 9/18/2025
Information about the COVID-19 vaccine
As of Sept. 17, 2025, state partners in the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) announced you can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription at pharmacies in Oregon if you are 7 years or older. Check with your pharmacy, contact your health care provider or visit vaccinefinder.org/ about available vaccines in your area.
Still have questions COVID-19 vaccine access or immunization recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season ahead? You can find answers in the resources below:
- Oregon Health Authority (OHA) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): COVID Vaccine Access
- West Coast Health Alliance 2025-26 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations
- Full document (11 pages)
- Shorter version (2 pages)
- West Coast Health Alliance Frequently Asked Questions for the Public
Links to more FAQs from state partners are available below. We will continue updating this page as we learn more from the WCHA. You can also find up-to-date information on Oregon Health Authority’s 'Getting Vaccines in Oregon’ page.
What are respiratory viruses?
Respiratory viruses are viruses that cause illnesses in the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. Common respiratory illnesses include influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Respiratory viruses have a range of symptoms and can cause mild to severe illness. Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick, including older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions.
Respiratory viruses spread easily from person to person. They most often spread through droplets that move through the air when someone with the virus talks, coughs or sneezes. Sometimes the viruses can also spread when someone touches a surface or object that has the virus on it before touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
For more information on respiratory viruses such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19, see CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses page.
Ways to reduce spread and protect yourself
To keep respiratory viruses from spreading:
- Stay home if you're sick.
- Keep sick kids home.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially when around someone who is sick.
- Improve airflow in places where people live and work.
- Clean high-touch surfaces often (doorknobs, light switches, counters, phones).
- Avoid touching your face if your hands are not clean (especially eyes, nose and mouth).
- Avoid close contact (kissing, shaking hands and sharing cups or eating utensils) with people who are sick.
- Wear a mask, especially if you are sick or will be around someone who is sick.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations that are recommended for you.
For more information on preventing respiratory illnesses, see CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance page.
Additional FAQs from partner agencies
- Oregon Board of Pharmacy: 2025-2026 Respiratory Vaccine Administration Recommendations
- Oregon Medical Board: Respiratory Virus Vaccine Recommendations
- Oregon State Board of Nursing: Respiratory Virus Vaccine Recommendations
- Department of Consumer and Business Services: West Coast Health Alliance and COVID-19 vaccine insurance coverage
Where to find a vaccine
Vaccines may be available through your health care provider or pharmacy. You can search for pharmacies at vaccinefinder.org.
Don’t have a health care provider? 211 Info is a good place to start if you need help finding a doctor. Specializing in health and social service assistance, they can be reached at [email protected] or by dialing 2-1-1. Language interpreters are available.
Contact Us
For media inquiries, please email [email protected]. For all other respiratory virus-related issues not listed here, please email [email protected].
Posters and other resources
- Clean Your Hands English, Spanish
- Cover Your Cough English, Spanish
- Detenga los gérmenes
- Fiona the Flu Fighter Poster English, Spanish
- Fiona the Flu Fighter Bookmarks English, Spanish
- After the Shots (for parents)
- CDC flu page
Related
