First phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution underway in Washington

Dec. 14, 2020

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COVID-19 vaccine distribution begins in Washington

High-risk health care personnel, first responders, and long-term care staff and residents will be first to get vaccinated. 

The first doses of a Pfizer vaccine to prevent COVID-19 arrived in Washington state Monday. Vaccine will be distributed to health care organizations, which will begin administering vaccinations to high-risk workers in health care settings, first responders, and people working and living in long-term care settings. 

Key updates:

• The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine on Friday. The authorization followed an extensive testing and review process, including approval by an independent panel of medical experts. 
• On Sunday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the vaccine had been authorized by the Western States workgroup, which reviews data and analysis to ensure the safety and efficacy of federally-authorized vaccines. 
• The first shipments of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Washington on Monday. 62,500 doses are expected to arrive in Washington this week. Find information about Washington's vaccine distribution plans at covidvaccinewa.org.
• Kitsap Public Health expects vaccine to be distributed to some Kitsap health care providers by the end of this week. Learn how Kitsap Public Health is helping our community prepare for vaccine rollout. 

What happens next?

Supplies of vaccine are very limited at this time and not everyone can be vaccinated immediately.  Vaccination is being prioritized based on federal and state guidance. 

The first phase of vaccination — called "phase 1a" — starts this week. This phase will focus on  high-risk priority groups, including:

• High-risk workers in health care settings
• High-risk first responders
• Staff and residents of long-term care facilities

Kitsap Public Health will reach out to organizations and individuals eligible for vaccination as part of phase 1a. 

Please do not contact your health care provider or Kitsap Public Health regarding your eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine at this time. Find detailed information about phase 1a priority groups here.

Supplies of vaccine will increase in coming months and vaccination will be offered to additional priority groups. Eventually, vaccination will be available to everyone. 

FIND MORE COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION Vaccine updates and information from the CDC Vaccine updates and information for Washington state Kitsap Public Health  vaccine updates and information

Questions?

• For general questions about the COVID-19 vaccine,call the state COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-525-0127 or email  covid.vaccine@doh.wa.gov.
• If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccination in Kitsap County, email covidvaccine@kitsappublichealth.org or call 360-728-2235. Be aware that we are experiencing a high volume of inquiries, and will respond as soon as we are able.

MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org