Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, this page will be updated as new information becomes available. 

UPDATED: Septemer 25, 2025

We know many of you have questions about getting your COVID-19 vaccine this season, and it’s understandable given the recent changes. Here’s what you need to know.

2025–2026 COVID-19 Vaccine

In August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its guidance, limiting vaccine eligibility to people 65 and older, those with high-risk conditions or patients who have a doctor’s prescription. However, on September 17, 2025, the West Coast Health Alliance issued new immunization recommendations for administering the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to the public, so all people over the age of 6 months who want the vaccine can receive it without a prescription.

How to get vaccinated at The Portland Clinic

As of September 24, 2025, The Portland Clinic is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (SPIKEVAX) to established patients who are 6 months and older by appointment only.

To schedule your vaccine:

• Call our scheduling line at 503-223-3113.
• If you already have an upcoming appointment, your provider will offer the vaccine during your visit—no need to schedule separately.

 Reminder: If you have questions about vaccine coverage, please contact your insurance provider directly for the most accurate information.

Why the vaccination still matters

Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Here at The Portland Clinic, we’re committed to helping our community stay informed and protected.

Getting vaccinated if you’ve had or currently have COVID-19 – If you’ve recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your next vaccine dose by three (3) months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you first received a positive test.

Reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection. However, certain factors could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner rather than later, such as personal risk of severe disease, risk of disease in a loved one or close contact, the local COVID-19 Community Level, and the most common COVID-19 variant currently causing illness.

Your health is important to us

Our priority will always be the health and safety of our patients, as well as our staff and providers. At each of our locations, we continue to take extra precautions and follow state and federal protocols to keep you as safe as possible in our clinics including:

• Encouraging the usage of a medical-grade face mask that covers the nose and mouth for any patient or visitor who has symptoms of an upper respiratory illness, per the guidelines from the CDC and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
  • If you do not have a medical-grade face mask upon arrival at the clinic, one will be provided
• Maintaining an adequate inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our providers and staff
• Conducting extra cleaning and isolation protocols

If you have symptoms

• For mild cold- or flu-like symptoms, including cough and fever, we encourage you to stay at home while you recover.
• For established patients of The Portland Clinic: If your symptoms worsen, please call 503-221-0161, and press “8” to speak with a member of your clinical care team. Please call BEFORE coming into a clinic. 
• If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please dial 9-1-1.

People with the following symptoms may have COVID-19, as reported by the CDC.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

It is important to seek immediate medical care if experiencing the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

NOTE: The lists above do not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19. 

Preventing the spread of COVID

Based on the guidelines issued by the CDC and the OHA for health care settings, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but are not experiencing any symptoms you can come to your scheduled appointment in person, preferably wearing a medical-grade mask and following all safety protocols.

However, if you have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (see the previous section above for details), we ask that you please call the clinic at 503-223-3113 to transition your appointment to a virtual visit.

For more information on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses when you’re sick, please go to:

• Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

Practice prevention

The same practices that stop the spread of the common cold and flu are recommended for COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay at home if you are sick, and avoid sending children to day care if they are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze; then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently touched by you and others (e.g., door handles, phones, keyboards, counters, etc.)

Video visits

We offer telemedicine options that allow you visit your provider at The Portland Clinic by video for many health issues, from the convenience of your own home. Rest assured that our telemedicine capabilities are safe and secure. Video visits with us are not recorded, and all video/audio is encrypted. Our goal, always, is to keep both you and your information safe. Most insurances cover telemedicine visits the same as a regular office visit.

To schedule an appointment, please call 503-223-3113.

Lab scheduling

In order to maintain safe physical distancing, all lab visits need to be scheduled in advance. To schedule a lab appointment, please call 503-223-3113.

Sign up for MyChart

Connect with your health care team at The Portland Clinic from the comfort of your home.

MyChart is a free, secure, online health management tool that connects patients to their health team at The Portland Clinic. Patients can communicate with their provider, access test results, view chart notes, pay their bill online, and much more.

Sign up for MyChart today.

Helpful resources

For general information and updated status of COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and/or the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).