Vaccination Rules In Portland, Oregon: What You Need To Know

do you have to be vaccinated in portland oregon

As of March 1, 2024, eligible people in Portland, Oregon, will be notified when a COVID-19 vaccine dose is available for them. The state will use the information submitted at the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool as an invitation system. In addition, Portland State University requires all admitted students born on or after January 1, 1957, to have two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or show evidence of immunity to measles.

Characteristics Values
COVID-19 vaccination policy in Portland Employees of the City of Portland are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, even if they have previously had COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination sites in Portland FEMA-supported vaccination centers, Portland International Airport, Oregon Convention Center
Measles vaccination requirement in Portland Portland State University requires all admitted students born on or after January 1, 1957, to have two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or show evidence of immunity to measles. Exemptions are allowed for medical or non-medical reasons.

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COVID-19 vaccination requirements in Portland

As of March 1, 2022, everyone in Phase 1A and groups 1-5 of Phase 1B is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon. The state will use the information submitted at the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool as an invitation system. The names of eligible people in the metro area will be sent to Oregon's mass vaccination sites, such as the one at the Oregon Convention Center.

The City of Portland has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for its employees, including those who telework, as they may be asked to come into a city facility or worksite. Employees need to provide the City notice by September 17, 2021, of whether they are vaccinated or not. Employees who do not intend to get vaccinated can apply for an exception. The City of Portland accepts documentation of vaccination status via U.S. mail or in-person drop-off. Appropriate documentation includes a COVID-19 vaccination record card or a print-out from the Oregon Health Authority's immunization registry.

The CDC advises getting vaccinated even if one has previously had COVID-19 and has COVID antibodies. This is to help build lasting protection, as research has not yet shown how long one is protected from reinfection after recovering from COVID-19.

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been given full approval by the FDA for use in people aged 16 and above for the Pfizer vaccine and 18 and above for the Moderna vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for emergency use in people aged 18 and older.

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Vaccination exemption criteria

In Oregon, employers have the right to mandate vaccinations, but employees may seek medical, religious, or philosophical exemptions. All states allow medical exemptions for people with a disease or taking medicine that weakens their immune system, those with severe allergies to a vaccine or its ingredients, or those who have had severe reactions to vaccines in the past.

In the case of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), employees seeking religious exemptions were informed that they would have to choose between receiving a COVID-19 vaccine that violated their sincerely held religious beliefs or losing their jobs. OHSU introduced a "Vaccine Exception Review Panel" with narrow criteria for approving exemptions, stating that religious beliefs leading to "objection to the vaccine on the basis of fetal cell concerns" and "objection to the vaccine based upon bodily integrity or sanctity" were insufficient grounds for exemption.

Oregon law also allows for non-medical exemptions for children's vaccinations. When a child reaches the age of medical consent in Oregon, which is 15 years, they may sign their Certificate of Immunization Status and complete the process for obtaining a non-medical exemption. This process involves completing a vaccine educational module approved by the Oregon Health Authority or discussing the risks and benefits of immunizations with a healthcare practitioner. The parent or guardian of a child must provide a written statement of non-medical exemption, including documentation of completion of the vaccine educational module or a signed document from a healthcare practitioner.

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Available vaccines in Portland

In Portland, Oregon, there are several vaccines available to the public. The state has received federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help get people vaccinated against COVID-19. FEMA-supported vaccination centres have been set up to administer COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax. These vaccines have been authorised for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have received full approval from the FDA for individuals aged 16 and above, and are available for children and adolescents aged 6 months to 15 years under the FDA's Emergency Use Authorisation.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, other vaccines are routinely administered in Portland. For instance, Portland State University requires all admitted students born after January 1, 1957, to submit proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or evidence of immunity to measles. International students must complete this requirement before their first term of attendance.

Furthermore, flu shots are also available at pharmacies such as CVS Pharmacy in Portland, typically when a certified immuniser is on duty. These vaccines are generally free of charge with most insurance plans, although eligibility and restrictions may vary.

The Western Health Alliance, formed by the states of Oregon, Washington, and California, aims to protect vaccine access and provide clear and transparent communication about vaccines. This partnership will develop its own immunisation guidelines informed by respected national medical organisations. The alliance seeks to expand access to vaccines and ensure they are available at no out-of-pocket costs.

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The vaccination process in Portland

One of the key initiatives is the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool, which serves as an invitation system for eligible individuals in the Portland metro area. When a dose becomes available, eligible individuals are notified, streamlining the process and reducing the need for residents to scramble for appointments. This centralized system helps ensure that vaccinations are distributed fairly and efficiently.

The state has also established mass vaccination sites, such as the drive-through clinic at Portland International Airport, which has administered tens of thousands of doses. Additionally, the OHA has engaged with communities and groups, particularly those most affected by COVID-19, to address concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. This includes independent expert reviews and community outreach to build confidence in the vaccines being administered.

In terms of specific vaccines, the Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines have all been authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each of these vaccines has undergone rigorous safety testing, with diverse participants in the clinical trials. The FDA has granted full approval for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for individuals above a certain age threshold (16 years for Pfizer and 18 years for Moderna).

For Portland State University students, there is a separate set of requirements under the Oregon State Immunization Law. Admitted students born on or after January 1, 1957, are required to have two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or provide evidence of immunity. International students must complete this requirement before their first term. Exemptions are allowed, but specific procedures must be followed, including submitting the necessary forms and providing the required documentation.

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Measles vaccination requirements for students

In Oregon, state law requires that all admitted students born on or after 1 January 1957 have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Students must provide these dates along with their immunisation records. Alternatively, students can provide proof of immunity to measles or request a medical or non-medical exemption.

Non-medical exemptions must either complete an online tutorial or seek consultation with a healthcare provider. International students must complete the Measles Vaccine Requirement prior to their first term of attendance and will be unable to register for or attend classes until the requirement is fulfilled.

The University of Portland is recommending that students stay up-to-date with their vaccinations and receive their recommended boosters. However, they are no longer requiring students to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Portland State University has dedicated staff to assist students with their Measles Vaccine Requirement. Students can contact them by emailing [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no such mandate. However, the CDC advises getting vaccinated against COVID-19 even if you have recovered from the infection and have antibodies.

Yes, Portland State University requires all admitted students born on or after 1 January 1957, to submit evidence of two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or request an exemption. International students must complete this requirement before their first term.

Yes, there are several vaccination sites in Portland, Oregon, including a drive-through mass vaccination clinic at the Portland International Airport.

Eligible people will be notified when a dose is available for them. The state will use the information submitted by eligible people at the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool as an invitation system.

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