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QuickTake:
Anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should be able to get one under new state guidance, but access in Lane County remains uneven as pharmacies and clinics adjust.
All Oregon residents can now get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to new guidance from Gov. Tina Kotek and the new West Coast Health Alliance.
The four-state alliance, which includes Oregon, formed in response to shifting federal direction about vaccine recommendations, which has led to widespread confusion about who’s eligible to get a shot. Adding to the confusion: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention delayed formal guidelines, which typically direct the Oregon Board of Pharmacy in setting local standards.
The West Coast Health Alliance on Wednesday, Sept. 17 published regional guidance based on advice from national medical organizations, endorsing broad access to the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who wants it.
Lane County residents still have questions about where to get vaccinated. Here’s what Lookout Eugene-Springfield knows so far — and what we’re still trying to understand.
Prescriptions
What we know: Generally, a prescription is no longer needed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from a primary care provider or from a participating pharmacy, according to Lane County Public Health.
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy’s revised rule allows pharmacists to vaccinate people 7 and older without a prescription. For younger children, pharmacists must have a valid prescription.
In practice, this means prescriptions may vary for children, but state leaders say most people should again be able to get the vaccine without cost concerns. Under Medicaid and Medicare, the cost of vaccination will continue to be covered for Oregon Health Plan members, as in the past.
What we don’t know: The Oregon Health Authority said it has worked with multiple government agencies to “maximize private insurer coverage” for the vaccine, but it remains unclear which insurers will cover it.
Clinics and hospitals
What we know: The Community Health Centers of Lane County will offer the COVID-19 vaccine to its patients.
Because of limited vaccine availability, PeaceHealth says it is not offering direct vaccinations to patients and recommends people go to their local pharmacies instead.
Kaiser Permanente, which operates the Chase Gardens Medical Office in Eugene, says the vaccine is available at no cost to its members.
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is evaluating whether it will offer the vaccine, citing low utilization last year.
Oregon Medical Group will be offering COVID-19 vaccines later this year without the need for a prescription. Patients can schedule an appointment with their primary care provider once vaccine shipments arrive.
What we don’t know: Praxis Health, which operates Thurston Medical Clinic and Oak Street Medical, also has not issued a statement. Lookout Eugene-Springfield has reached out.
Stores and pharmacies
What we know: Grocery and drug stores such as Fred Meyer and CVS list appointments as available on their websites, but many chain pharmacies still lag in offering vaccinations without a prescription.
Albertsons told its customers Sept. 18 in a text message that its customers can sign up for a shot at its stores here.
What we don’t know: Local health experts say barriers to making vaccination appointments at pharmacies should resolve soon, but it is not clear when.
What do you know?
If you’d like to share your experience with trying to get the vaccine, or have information about access, email us: newsroom@lookoutlocal.com
