Effective immediately, everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, can obtain the updated COVID vaccine from any qualified healthcare provider or pharmacy in Washington State.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) ensured statewide access when it issued a “standing order” on September 4. The order authorizes pharmacists, physicians and other providers to administer the COVID vaccine without prescription.
The state’s order removes COVID vaccine restrictions imposed by the Trump administration by providing a blanket authorization for everyone 6 months or older who seeks a COVID vaccination in Washington State, regardless of their risk status. Patients remain responsible for deductibles and copays, but according to Tyler Young, owner of Vashon Pharmacy, thus far Washington insurers have continued to cover COVID vaccines just as they have in the past.
“This is excellent news,” said Dr. Zach Miller, an infectious disease physician and volunteer with the Vashon Medical Reserve Corps. “Many people continue to be at substantial risk of COVID disease, including very young children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Keeping up with respiratory disease vaccinations — COVID, flu, and RSV — significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death. These vaccines are safe and effective and help protect you and our community.”
The state acted to counter approval of COVID vaccines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only for those age 65 years and older and younger people with at least one COVID risk factor. The FDA’s vaccine restrictions have been widely criticized for being unsupported by scientific evidence.
“COVID-19 vaccines are well-researched, well-tested, and have saved millions of lives around the world,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, DOH state health officer for DOH. “The barriers to COVID-19 vaccination are complex, and the standing order is just one part of the solution. We want to ensure all Washington residents have access to the protection these vaccines provide based on the best available science.”
DOH and major U.S. medical associations recommend annual COVID vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, and twice a year for people 65 and older. These vaccinations are especially important for those most at risk of COVID, including children under 2 years of age, pregnant people, people 65 and older, and anyone with health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, excess weight, and cancer, among others. Children younger than 6 months can be protected by maternal vaccination during pregnancy.
Vashon Pharmacy has the updated COVID and flu vaccines on hand and appointments are available online. VashonBePrepared and the Vashon MRC will begin volunteer-assisted COVID/flu/RSV vaccination clinics at Vashon Pharmacy on September 30, and will run COVID and flu vaccination clinics at Vashon Island School District on October 14 and 16
Vashon’s Sea Mar clinic provides. COVID, flu, and RSV vaccinations, but recommends patients call ahead to make sure the vaccines they seek are available. Vashon Natural Medicine provides COVID and flu vaccinations for children by appointment. NeighborCare Health at Vashon High School provides flu vaccinations for Vashon’s school-aged children by appointment.
Marijke van Heeswijk is a retired federal scientist who volunteers for VashonBePrepared.
