Now that it’s March, eligible people can get an additional dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, which was first made available in Oregon almost six months ago, in September.
An additional dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for:
- People ages 65 and older.
- People ages 6 months and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (have weakened immune systems).
See this CDC page for recommendations for people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, and for some people who received the Novavax vaccine in the past.
Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Public Health Division, said a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can provide increased protection for older adults and those with immunocompromising medical conditions.
“Immunity from vaccines can wane over time, but getting a second dose can bring that protection back,” Cieslak said. “That’s why we’re encouraging anyone 65 and older or who is moderately to severely immunocompromised to talk to a health care or vaccine provider about getting a second dose, which could keep them out of the hospital or from dying.”
People in these categories are recommended to receive the additional dose six months after receiving the initial dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine. However, it can be given as soon as two months after the first dose offering significantly flexibility. Those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised do not need to show proof to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
People have weakened immune systems because of certain medical conditions, or if they receive medications or treatments that suppress their immune systems.
In recent years, OHA has bolstered its tracking of communicable diseases such as COVID-19 with the development and modernization of data reporting tools, including an interactive, web-based dashboard that visualizes data on COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard’s data are organized by community transmission, hospitalizations, hospital capacity, deaths and vaccination.
The dashboard is one of the ways OHA is increasing awareness and education about public health risks and preventive health services, which is a core goal of OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. OHA’s Strategic Plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon.
Doctor's offices and neighborhood pharmacies are great places for getting immunizations. Those who need help finding a health care or vaccine provider doctor can contact 211 Info, by emailing help@211info.org or by dialing 2-1-1. Language interpreters are available.
Source: Oregon Health Authority