COVID-19 vaccine distribution update from State Department of Health

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is thrilled to share the state surpassed another remarkable vaccine milestone this week. More than 5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Washington. Thanks to the hard work happening across the state, we are achieving these goals faster than ever. When vaccine rollout began in mid-December, it took 53 days to distribute our first 1 million doses. This month, it took us just 15 days to distribute 1 million doses in order to reach our latest milestone.

As of April 26, more than 5,248,061 doses of vaccine have been given across the state, which is more than 81% of the 6,429,730 doses that have been delivered to our providers and long-term care programs. Washington is currently averaging more than 61,000 vaccine doses given each day and nearly 29% of people in Washington are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This information can be found on the DOH data dashboard under the vaccines tab, which is updated three times per week.

Don’t forget your second dose

Getting vaccinated protects yourself and those around you from COVID-19. It is important people who receive a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) complete the series as close to the recommended time interval as possible.

• If you received the Pfizer vaccine, you should get your second shot three weeks (or 21 days) after your first.
• If you received the Moderna vaccine, you should get your second shot four weeks (or 28 days) after your first.

Across Washington, as of April 25 about 13% of people who received one dose of a two dose vaccine were overdue for their second dose by more than one week. We want this number to be as close to zero as possible to ensure the vaccine is fully effective and best protects people and communities.

Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data regarding overdue second doses. According to the CDC, nationwide 8% of people were overdue for their second dose. These national numbers are different from the state numbers due to the way the data were analyzed. DOH only considers people overdue if they miss the window and have only received one dose of a two-dose vaccine; whereas the CDC counted people who had completed the series.

Access official immunization records using MyIR

People who misplace their CDC COVID-19 vaccination cards can easily view their immunization records online using MyIR, which is the state’s free and secure immunization records system. Once registered, you can access your family’s immunizations records any time you need them. If you are unable to access your records online, you can visit a local pharmacy, clinic, or school to register for MyIR, request records from your healthcare provider, or request an immunization record from DOH.

If a provider has an extra CDC card available, they may be able to issue a new vaccination card. We recommend you laminate your card once you have completed your vaccine series and keep it in a secure location.

Allocation update

Our three-week allocation forecast from the federal government shows Washington will begin receiving all three vaccine types again next week. The forecast is an estimate that helps with planning at the state and local level. The numbers are subject to change as vaccine availability may change.

• Week of May 2: 394,060 total doses (208,380 first doses, 185,680 second doses)
  • This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer, 157,400 doses of Moderna, and 16,700 doses of Johnson & Johnson
• Week of May 9: 387,660 total doses (195,980 first doses, 191,680 second doses)
  • This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer, 163,400 doses of Moderna, and 4,300 doses of Johnson & Johnson
• Week of May 16: 387,660 total doses (195,980 first doses, 191,680 second doses)
  • This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer, 163,400 doses of Moderna, and 4,300 doses of Johnson & Johnson

Those who need help finding a vaccine appointment are encouraged to use Vaccine Locator, which lists open appointments within a 50 mile range. Those who need help can call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.

The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information.