Summertime has flown by and it’s back to school for many families, which means Flu and COVID season is around the corner. Pediatric Associates of the Northwest is closely monitoring all changes and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). We know it is a confusing time, and we are committed to keeping our patients informed.
What We Know Right Now
*September 22nd Update*
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met last week and voted to recommend that COVID-19 vaccination for individuals ages 6 months and older be based on shared clinical decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. PANW will continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) evidence-based guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination (see below), which remain unchanged and are aligned with the recommendations of the newly-formed West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA).
On August 19, 2025, the AAP released its new COVID-19 vaccine guidance:
- Children ages 6 months to 23 months should receive a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine
- Children ages 2-18 years should receive a single dose of 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine if they:
- are at high risk of severe COVID-19,
- are residents of long-term care facilities or other congregate settings,
- have never been vaccinated, or
- have household contacts at high risk for severe COVID-19.
- Children, ages 2-18 years, not in one of these higher risk groups whose parent or guardian desires their protection from COVID-19 should be offered a single dose of the updated vaccine.
On August 27, 2025, the FDA approved certain updated COVID-19 vaccine products.
We plan to offer both the updated Flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine to patients and their immediate family members. Parents/guardians with questions regarding COVID-19 recommendations for adults should consult with their own primary care provider.
On September 16, 2025, AHIP stated that health plans will continue to cover all ACIP-recommended immunizations recommended as of September 1, 2025, including updated COVID-19 and Flu vaccines, with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at Pediatric Associates of the Northwest
The most effective way to keep your family healthy and protected against the Flu and COVID is to stay up to date with this season’s vaccines. PANW will once again be holding weekend vaccine clinics for the whole family. We will be offering both the Flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine at these clinics. These will be INDOORs (not drive-thru) for patient safety.
In addition to weekend vaccine clinics, patients who have upcoming well visits or follow-up appointments in the office can receive their Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at that visit. Accompanying parents/guardians may receive their vaccines at these visits as well; please let us know at the time of scheduling or before the appointment so we can pre-register you and save you time when you arrive.
If you do not have an upcoming visit scheduled, we strongly encourage you to come to one of our weekend vaccine clinics as appointments during the week will be limited. Vaccines are also typically available in the community at local pharmacies and health departments, although access to COVID-19 vaccines may be more limited. For the best protection, it is recommended that families receive their vaccines by the end of October.
Flu and Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic Dates and Locations in Portland and Tigard, Oregon
- Saturday, September 27th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tigard location) – NOW FULL
- Saturday, October 4th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Portland location) – NOW FULL
- SUNDAY, October 12th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tigard location) -NOW FULL
- Saturday, October 18th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Portland location) – AM/PM OPENINGS
Insurance and Cost
Please contact your insurance company to verify coverage before your appointment. We will bill insurance whenever possible, however, if your plan does not cover the vaccines, you will be responsible for payment. The out-of-pocket cost is $50 for the flu vaccine, and $150 for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Scheduling Your Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Our vaccine clinics are by appointment only. Each family member who would like a vaccine needs to have their own appointment so we can prepare and plan our supply accordingly. Please note that our weekend vaccine clinics are mass events with hundreds of patients a day. Due to the high volume of families at these clinics and some patients needing extra comfort measures, please expect a wait. After checking-in, you will be asked to wait in line.
Options for scheduling include:
- Call Our Office at (503) 968-3480
- Request An Appointment Through the Patient Portal (different than scheduling an appointment):
Once logged into the portal, click “CREATE MESSAGE” under the Messages heading. Select “Flu and/or COVID Vaccine Clinic Appointment” from the drop down menu. Fill out the form to tell us who you are requesting an appointment for and what vaccine(s) are needed, then click submit. You will be notified via a message response when your appointment(s) is scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which COVID-19 vaccines will be available at PANW?
PANW will be offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 4 years, and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those 5 years and older.
How do I weigh the risks of a vaccine against the risks of not getting vaccinated?
Diseases that vaccines prevent cause much worse symptoms than vaccines. Illness can lead to severe health outcomes, including death. Childhood vaccine side effects can be uncomfortable, but they are not as harmful as the diseases they prevent. Common vaccine side effects do not lead to severe health outcomes.
Can my child still get sick after they are vaccinated?
Yes. Vaccines greatly reduce the risk of getting sick and having severe illness from the diseases they target. But no vaccine is perfect.
Wearing a seatbelt doesn’t guarantee you won’t get injured in a car crash, but seatbelts are still essential to keep us safe while driving. In the same way, getting a vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick, but it is still the best tool we have to protect us from serious diseases.
If I have recently been sick with COVID-19, should I still get the updated 2025-2026 COVID vaccine?
Yes, the updated COVID-19 vaccine is still recommended for those who have had a recent infection. However, you may wait 3 months to get the newest vaccine due to some natural immunity from the recent infection.
Who can schedule a Flu/COVID-19 vaccine appointment at PANW?
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to patients and their immediate household family members 6 months – 64 years (we are not able to offer the high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 years and older). Family members with Kaiser insurance or Medicare will need to pay out of pocket as we are not able to bill these insurances. Additionally, we are not allowed to provide vaccines to those 19 years and older on Oregon Health Plan insurance. Patients can receive their vaccines at their local health department or designated Vaccine Access Program Provider.
Our providers at PANW strongly encourage everyone 6 months or older to get a Flu and updated COVID-19 vaccine as the primary method for protecting your family. It not only helps prevent the Flu and COVID-19, but also reduces the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The American Academy of Pediatrics states “The best thing you can do to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated before influenza starts circulating in your community.”
Who needs 2 doses of the Flu vaccine instead of just 1 dose?
Children 6 months- 8 years old who have never received a Flu vaccine or who have previously received only 1 dose of the vaccine during their lifetime before the most recent July 1st will need 2 doses spaced at least 4 weeks apart. If your child receives their 1st dose at our weekend vaccine clinics, their 2nd dose will be given either at their next well visit or as an immunization-only appointment in the office, depending on timing.
Will PANW have both the flu shot and nasal mist available?
Yes, we will have both the Flu shot as well as nasal mist available. Please note: the supply of nasal mist is very limited and is for patients 2 years and older.
What can PANW do to help those who get nervous with shots?
It is common to feel a little anxious when it comes to shots. Not to worry; we’ve got you covered! Our gentle and patient staff are specially trained in giving immunizations to little ones so you can feel confident that you are in good hands. We offer pain-reducing methods and distraction techniques like the Buzzy Bee and Shot Blocker so “pokes” are as comfortable and quick as possible.
For more information, see the resources below:
- PANW’s Vaccine FAQ: How vaccines are made, how they work, testing and how we know they’re safe, and side effects
- CDC: Seasonal Influenza
- Oregon Public Health: Flu Information
- Flu Shot: Vaccine Information Sheet
- Moderna COVID-19 Information Sheet for Recipients
- Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet
