December 10, 2021 9:30 a.m.

On Thursday, the Oregon Health Authority announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have authorized the use of booster doses of Phizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccines for persons 16 and 17 years of age, who have already completed their vaccination series.

Shortly after the boosters were authorized for the new age group, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, including Oregon, Washington, California and Nevada, released a statement supporting the CDC’s recommendation.

OHA released updated guidance for providers so that Oregonians aged 16 and 17 who have completed their initial Phizer vaccination series at least six months earlier can immediately begin receiving a booster dose.

OHA said boosters were authorized last month for all persons in the United States 18 years and older by the two federal agencies and by the workgroup for eligible adults in the four western states.

OHA said there are an estimated 100,000 Oregonians ages 16 and 17. Of this group, approximately 25,000 are now eligible for boosters following Thursday’s approvals. Another 25,000 persons in this age group will be eligible by the end of this month, and up to 7,000 person’s who are 16 and 17 years of age will become eligible for boosters through the first part of 2022.

COVID-19 vaccines are available throughout the state at pharmacies, health providers, Tribal clinics and community vaccination clinics. More information is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/pages/index.aspx