In light of Oregon’s recent alignment with other West Coast states to establish its own COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, many doctors and hospitals are expressing hesitation in prescribing the vaccine. This reluctance stems from the absence of clear federal recommendations and state-level legal protections.
According to the Oregonian, several healthcare providers in the Portland area, including major institutions like Providence and Oregon Health & Science University, are either hesitant to administer the vaccine or are refusing to accept patients seeking it. Last month, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. implemented restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines, limiting them to high-risk groups such as seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions, while excluding healthy children and adults from eligibility.
Health officials reported to the Oregonian that many physicians are apprehensive about potential legal repercussions and uncertainties regarding insurance coverage for vaccine prescriptions, even for those who qualify. As a result, many healthcare providers are choosing to exercise caution, waiting for updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, pharmacists have lost the ability to administer COVID-19 booster shots without prescriptions, further complicating vaccine access.
Courtni Dresser from the Oregon Medical Association has advocated for the state to issue a standing order that would allow anyone aged six months or older to receive the COVID vaccine from pharmacists or nurses, while also providing legal protections for healthcare providers—a measure recently adopted by Washington state. The West Coast Health Alliance is anticipated to release its updated vaccine guidelines shortly, according to Jonathan Modie, a spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority.
Healthcare providers in Oregon are hesitant to prescribe the COVID-19 vaccine due to the absence of updated guidance from federal health authorities. Not receiving data from the CDC creates uncertainty for providers regarding best practices and patient eligibility. Many physicians are concerned about potential legal liabilities associated with administering the vaccine, particularly in light of varying state laws and the recent restrictions on vaccine eligibility.
