Dec. 11, 2020

Kitsap Public Health helping community prepare for rollout of COVID-19 vaccine

There is no firm timeline for when COVID-19 vaccine could be available in Kitsap, but state and local health agencies are preparing. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — As vaccines to prevent COVID-19 near approval in the United States, local public health workers are helping Kitsap County prepare for a successful vaccination rollout. 

The Kitsap Public Health District established a COVID-19 vaccine planning team and is reaching out to local health care providers, community partners, and the public. The Health District will also convene an advisory group with representatives from community organizations, including those working with populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. 

"While details for vaccine distribution are still being finalized at the federal and state levels, Kitsap Public Health is working hard to help our community and health care system prepare for safe and effective rollout of COVID-19 vaccines," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. 

Dr. Morrow added that vaccination is the next crucial step to end the pandemic, but community members should keep taking everyday steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. Masks, handwashing, physical distancing, staying home when sick, and getting tested will all remain essential prevention strategies. 

"Vaccines will be a hugely important tool in our fight against COVID-19," Dr. Morrow said. "But until the majority of the population is vaccinated and spread is significantly reduced, vaccines will need to be used together with all the other measures we know work to protect our community."

For updates on vaccine development and federal approval, visit the FDA and CDC vaccine pages. For information about vaccine distribution plans in Washington state, visit the state Department of Health's website. Kitsap Public Health will post local updates to kcowa.us/vaccine.

When will COVID-19 vaccine be available in Kitsap?

While distribution of a Pfizer vaccine is in the final stages of approval, there is no firm timeline for when the vaccine could arrive in Kitsap County. The state Department of Health is coordinating vaccine distribution plans for Washington. You can view our state's plan and check for updates here. 

What is Kitsap Public Health doing to help our community prepare?

Our work includes:

• Monitoring vaccine guidance and plans produced at the federal and state level.
  
  
• Providing information and technical assistance to Kitsap health care providers as they enroll to receive vaccine and prepare to administer vaccine.
  
  
• Working with local health care providers and community partners to identify and address gaps to COVID-19 vaccination in our county. 
  
  
• Supporting equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination through partnerships with local leaders and organizations serving populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
  
  
• Providing our community with up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19 vaccine.

Who will get vaccinated first?

Initially, supplies of vaccine will be limited. As a result, vaccination will be prioritized based on federal and state guidance. Vaccine administration will occur in phases determined by this guidance. Not everyone will be able to get vaccinated immediately. 

It is anticipated that the first phase of vaccination, called "phase 1a," will focus on health care workers and first responders working in settings with people confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19. Staff and residents of long-term care facilities are also expected to be included in this phase. 

How will the vaccine be administered in our community?

Clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and other health care organizations will administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Health care organizations are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible. Go to covidvaccinewa.org.

Will the vaccine be safe?

All potential COVID-19 vaccines are being extensively tested and reviewed at the federal level to ensure they are both safe and effective before they are approved for distribution to the public. Our state Department of Health is monitoring this process closely. You can learn more about the approval process here. 

How will the vaccine help?

A COVID-19 vaccine will provide another layer of protection for you, your family, and the people around you. 

When you get the vaccine, your immune system makes antibodies (“fighter cells”) that stay in your blood and protect you in case you are infected with the virus. You get protection against the disease without getting the disease. When enough people in the community can fight off the coronavirus, it has nowhere to go. This means we can stop the spread quicker and get closer to ending this pandemic.

If I get vaccinated, will I still have to take other precautions?

Yes. Like any vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine will not be 100% effective. People who get vaccinated will still need to practice physical distancing, wear masks, and follow other COVID-19. 

Get vaccine updates for Kitsap

You can sign up to receive COVID-19 vaccine updates by email or text. 

• Updates for our community (general COVID-19 information, including vaccine updates)
• Vaccine updates for health care providers
• Vaccine updates for partner organizations

CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org