Lane County Public Health and Community Health Centers of Lane County announced last week that it will follow the vaccine guidance of the Oregon Health Authority as provided by the Western States Health Coalition. The recommendations are as follows:
Influenza: All Lane County residents 6 months and older should receive an influenza vaccine.
RSV: All babies aged 8 months and younger, children up to 19 months with risk factors, all adults aged 75 and older, and adults aged 50-74 with risk factors should receive the RSV vaccine.
COVID-19: All children aged 6-23 months; all children aged 2-18 years with risk factors or if never vaccinated; all children in close contact with others who have risk factors; and all who choose protection.
Additionally, a prescription is no longer needed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from primary care providers or participating pharmacies. The Community Health Centers of Lane County will offer influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines based on the guidance.
While these recommendations aim to increase vaccine access and reduce confusion, questions remain about insurance coverage for vaccines. Right now, Lane County can confirm that all Oregon Health Plan members will be covered for the influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines per the guidance.
The Oregon Health Authority advises it may take a few days for pharmacies to begin vaccinations due to stock availability and safe implementation protocols.
