Finding clarity on COVID and vaccination updates

Published 10:41 am Thursday, September 4, 2025

Vashon Beachcomber editor’s update: After press time, news broke that Washington, Oregon and California have formed a partnership of all three states to coordinate health guidelines by aligning immunization recommendations informed by respected national medical organizations. According to a Sept. 3 press release, the partnership will “allow residents to receive consistent, science-based recommendations they can rely on — regardless of shifting federal actions.”

Another summer COVID wave has arrived, and even though it’s relatively mild, any increase in infections means a greater risk of severe illness and disruption to work and school.

That’s especially true for those who aren’t up to date on vaccines or are in a higher risk category due to older or very young age, underlying disease, pregnancy, or other reasons. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that infections are rising in most states, though to a lesser degree than in previous years.

Year over year, deaths from COVID are declining. Scientists credit this to increased immunity from vaccination and previous infections.

Vashon outperforms King County and the state in vaccination rates, but those rates are dropping here, according to Vashon Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Co-coordinator Dr. Jim Bristow.

“Remember that older adults are still hospitalized and still go to the emergency room for COVID at higher rates, and that immunocompromised people and very young children who can’t be vaccinated are seriously threatened by COVID-19 infections,” Bristow said. “Long COVID also remains a risk. The more people are vaccinated, the less the risk we face as a community.”

“Updated COVID and flu vaccines are approved, recommended, and available for those at higher risk, including and especially the island’s 65 and older population, who will be covered by all Medicare plans. For those in vulnerable populations, there’s no ambiguity: The vaccines are safe and important,” Bristow added.

It’s a complicated and confusing time for news about COVID vaccines. As promised in July, we are providing updates as information becomes available, this being the second update in the series.

Getting a COVID Vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID vaccines for a smaller group of people than in the past several years: adults 65 and older, and people younger than 65 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk from COVID.

In addition to seniors, the “high-risk” group includes people who are pregnant, diabetic, disabled, overweight, or who have cancer, a mental health condition, or other conditions. The CDC has a list of those conditions which you can find at cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors.

But, what if you are not in the approved high-risk group?

You can likely still get the vaccine, but you’ll have to do so “off-label,” meaning that healthcare providers have authority to prescribe the vaccine outside of the FDA limits.

Off-Label

The FDA restrictions are not universally accepted, which makes the off-label option a possibility in our state and on Vashon. Local health officials at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) say the updated vaccine remains safe and recommended for everyone six months old or older, including those who are pregnant.

And the state vaccine advisory committee continues to recommend an annual COVID vaccine for everyone 6 months through 64 years old and twice a year for everyone 65 and older.

Tyler Young, owner of Vashon Pharmacy, said he has broad authorization for giving the COVID vaccine — as with any vaccination — based on the recommendations of reputable organizations like the state DOH. In-pharmacy clinics will kick off Tuesday, September 30, with school clinics occurring after that.

This means you can still get vaccinated here on the island.

Insurance

Your insurance plan may or may not cover the vaccine, but most likely will, according to an analysis by the Vashon Medical Reserve Corps. Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) will most likely still cover the COVID-19 vaccine for members, including children and pregnant individuals. If you are concerned about coverage, contact your health plan to get a reading on your plan’s coverage.

The federal government is expected to weigh in again mid-September with new guidance on who should receive the COVID vaccine. In the meantime, if you’re unsure, ask your healthcare provider — your pharmacist, doctor or clinic. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and consulting a trusted medical professional will help you sort things out.

What about flu and RSV?

Unlike the conflicting guidance for COVID vaccine, the guidance for influenza (flu) vaccination and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is clear. Most insurers cover these two vaccines, and the recommendations remain unchanged, according to Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization for PHSKC.

• Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older.

• RSV vaccination is recommended for infants, children at high risk of getting RSV, pregnant people, high-risk adults ages 50 and older, and all adults 75 and older.

Expanded service

Two new exam rooms are among the upgrades to Vashon Pharmacy that have been in use for months now. The clinic’s improvements are helping the pharmacy respond to the island’s need for flu, RSV and COVID vaccinations, said owner Tyler Young.

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