Oregonians who want a COVID-19 shot can now get one more easily at their local pharmacy.

Oregon has formally broken from federal COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, adopting its own recommendations and a package of regulatory changes designed to remove barriers to vaccination. Pharmacists can now give COVID-19 shots to most people without a prescription and state-regulated health plans must cover them at no cost.

The changes follow new regional guidance issued Wednesday by the West Coast Health Alliance — a partnership of Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii — recommending the new seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 6 months and older who wants it. The alliance’s recommendations go beyond current federal guidance, which excludes most healthy children and adults.

State officials say

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