Earlier this month, the CDC reported that people aged 65 and older are encouraged to get an additional dose of the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine. The recommendation opened eligibility to older adults, who are most at risk for severe outcomes of the virus.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) approval of a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine released last fall can provide increased protection for older adults.

“Vaccine-induced immunity can wane over time, but a second dose restores that protection, which can help keep people in this particularly vulnerable group from being hospitalized or even dying,” Cieslak said. “We urge everyone 65 and older to talk to their health care or vaccine provider about getting a second COVID-19 vaccine dose.”

Older adults are eligible to get a second 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose if it’s been at least four months since they received their first dose of the 2023-2024 vaccine.

Call your local pharmacy, health care provider, or the Malheur County Health Department at 541-889-7279 to confirm if they have the vaccine in stock and schedule your appointment to be vaccinated.

A few pharmacies in Malheur County that may have the COVID-19 vaccine in stock:

• Rite Aid
  • 728 SW 4th Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
  • 541-889-3390
• Walgreens
  • 65 Se Goodfellow St, Ontario, OR 97914
  • 541-889-6288
• Albertsons
  • 1410 Westpark Plaza, Ontario, OR 97914
  • 541-889-9125
• Walmart
  • 1775 E Idaho Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
  • 541-889-7400
• Medicap
  • 217 Main St, Nyssa, OR 97913
  • 541-372-2222

Need other help finding a COVID‑19 vaccine in the U.S.? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) or visit vaccines.gov.