Oregon COVID-19 Second Booster Shot Available For Those Over 50

PORTLAND, OR — After a little bit of waiting, a large group of Oregonians is now eligible for a second booster shot against COVID-19. Anyone older than 50 can now get the additional protection.

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup approved the second booster shot on Tuesday. The group has representatives from Oregon, California, Washington and Nevada and was formed in 2020 to review decisions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Food and Drug Administration concerning COVID-19 vaccinations.

In addition to those 50 and over, certain people who are immunocompromised are also eligible for the additional booster.

To get the second booster, people must have received their first booster shot at least four months ago. The Oregon Health Authority said that whether the person received an initial booster of Moderna or Pfizer doesn't matter; they will able to get a second booster of either.

Those who received primary vaccination shots and boosters of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can now also get one of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines.

The state has plenty of vaccine doses on hand for those who want the second booster, officials said.

"I'm not worried about vaccine supply right now, even if we see a rush for second boosters following this week's news," said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations in the Oregon Health Authority's Public Health Division. "Existing supply is already strong, and the CDC is ready to send more doses if we need them."

People can find the vaccines at pharmacies and high-volume vaccination and testing sites.