Grant helps islanders get vaxxed with no out-of-pocket costs
Published 10:45 am Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Looking to get a COVID, flu or RSV vaccination fast, with minimal hassle and no out-of-pocket expense?
Last week, Vashon Health Care District finalized a grant of $15,000 to VashonBePrepared to disburse to Vashon Pharmacy to pay all the costs of these vaccines not covered by islanders’ health insurance.
And Vashon Pharmacy, pharmacy staff and Vashon Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers are standing by, ready to deliver the shots at a high volume vaccination clinic run by VashonBePrepared and Vashon Community Response Team (CERT) volunteers. Subject to demand, the clinic will continue to be offered at the pharmacy on most weekdays through Nov. 22.
Vicky de Monterey Richoux, VashonBePrepared’s president, expressed gratitude for the funding, saying that in recent years, a small number of donors have donated to her organization to support vaccinations for children and adults experiencing financial barriers. Vashon Pharmacy owners Tyler and Amy Young have also generously contributed the cost of vaccinations for islanders in need, she said.
“But each year, the need for financial assistance has increased, so it’s a huge relief for VashonBePrepared to receive funds to cover vaccinations for the current respiratory virus season,” she said.
The coordinated partnership of Vashon Pharmacy with all these organizations makes for an easy experience for those seeking to be vaccinated at the current clinics, said Dr. Jim Bristow, the MRC’s co-director.
“There are lots of volunteer organizations across the country that would like to administer vaccines but can’t because they simply don’t have access to them,” Bristow said. “It’s been quite remarkable to see the Vashon Pharmacy’s resourcefulness in finding respiratory virus vaccines to make sure they are there when patients are ready to get them. Vaccine availability is an ever-changing landscape and Tyler and his staff have been willing to move heaven and earth to make sure we have them.”
She said that after the current vaccination clinic concludes, Vashon Pharmacy will continue to administer vaccinations by appointment, and that the VashonBePrepared will use both the grant from the health care district and other earmarked donations to continue to reimburse the pharmacy for the costs. VashonBePrepared will also use the funds next year in its spring vaccination clinic at the pharmacy.
“For the first time, children and adults who seek vaccinations don’t need to be concerned about insurance coverage or ability to pay — anyone who wants a vaccination can get one,” she said. “This will make our whole community safer from serious illnesses.”
De Monteray Richoux said that during the volunteer-assisted clinics, VashonBePrepared staff can assist even those who haven’t made prior appointments to receive shots.
“We’ll get you in,” she said.
To make an appointment to be vaccinated or receive other clinical services from Vashon Pharmacy, visit vashonpharmacy.com.
