COVID-19 Vaccine

Updated 10/18/2021

Since the beginning of this pandemic in early 2020, there has been a worldwide effort to produce an effective COVID-19 vaccine which could safely prevent the spread of this virus. Less than a year later, as a product of that unprecedented effort, worldwide cooperation, and previous scientific breakthroughs, many vaccines against COVID-19 were created, and three were approved for use in the United States. These vaccines are all very safe, extremely effective, and have never been more easily available than they are today. 

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, you can do so today, for free, at many locations in Benton County just by dropping in, no health insurance or identification needed.

Different Brands of Vaccine

There are currently three COVID-19 vaccinations approved for use in the United States: Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. All three were originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), Pfizer and Moderna in December 2020 and Johnson & Johnson in February 2021. Pfizer’s vaccine, now called Comirnity, was granted full approval by the FDA for use by individuals 16 years old or older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are also seeking full approval by the FDA.

The Pfizer/Comirnaty, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not interchangeable. Any additional doses you receive must be of the same brand as your first dose.

• Pfizer/Comirnaty
  • Administered in a two dose series, the second dose is given 21 days after the first dose. It is fully authorized by the FDA for use in people 16 years or older, and is still approved for use in people 12 years or older under an EUA. 
• Moderna
  • Administered in a two dose series, the second dose is given 28 days after the first dose. It is authorized under an EUA for use in people 18 years old or older. 
• Johnson & Johnson
  • Administered in a single dose, and is authorized under an EUA for use in people 18 years old or older.

Vaccine Eligibility

Currently, everyone 12 years or older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, though anyone under 18 must get the Pfizer/Comirnaty vaccine. Children ages 12-14 must have the written approval of a parent or guardian to be vaccinated. Click here to download the consent form. Certain immunocompromised individuals are eligible for an additional dose of the Pfizer/Comirnaty or Moderna vaccine, see here for additional information. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is free, even if you do not have health insurance. You do not need to be a United States citizen or resident or live permanently in Oregon to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and no identification is required.

Vaccine Locations

Earlier this year when supplies were limited, most COVID-19 vaccinations happened at mass vaccination clinics like the ones held at Reser Stadium. Today, the vaccine is widely available at retail pharmacies, medical providers, and at smaller vaccination clinics around Benton County. At most of these locations, no appointment is needed: you can drop in and receive your vaccination in around 30 minutes.

Not sure where the closest location is for you? Check our list of medical offices and pharmacies that offer the vaccine, our upcoming clinics, or you can check these websites: getvaccinated.oregon.gov and vaccines.gov. You can also text ORVAX to 898211, or call 541-766-6120 for further assistance.