Now that it's March, eligible people can get an additional dose of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine, which was first made available in Oregon last September.
An additional dose of the latest COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people ages 65 and older as well as people ages six months and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or who have weakened immune systems.
Paul Cieslak, MD, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority's 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.
People in these categories are recommended to receive the additional dose six months after receiving the initial dose of the 2024-25 vaccine. However, it can be given as soon as two months after the first dose offering significant flexibility.
People have weakened immune systems because of certain medical conditions, or if they receive medications or treatments that suppress their immune systems. Those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised do not need to show proof to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
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).
Doctors' offices and neighborhood pharmacies are great places for getting immunizations.
