COVID-19 vaccine distribution update from State Department of Health

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to share our state achieved another incredible vaccine milestone this week. As of May 10, more than 6,046,656 doses of vaccine have been given in Washington.

Most people are choosing to get vaccinated. More than 57% of people in Washington eligible for vaccine have received at least one dose and nearly 44% of people 16 and older 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.

Vaccinating 12 to 15-year-olds

This week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to people 12 to 15. Today the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is the gold standard for clinical guidance, voted to recommend Pfizer to the younger age group. This evening the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup will gather and offer its recommendations. Once we have approval, we will expand eligibility and encourage everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated in Washington.

The Pfizer vaccine, which was already authorized for people 16 and older, has been proven to be safe and extremely effective for 12 to 15-year-olds. Vaccinating this age group will protect children and give parents peace of mind. This is the best step families can take to ensure their kids are healthy, remain in the classroom, can safely spend time with their friends, and take part in the activities they enjoy.

Vaccine allocation and distribution

Our three-week allocation forecast from the federal government shows Washington will be allocated more than 380,000 doses of vaccine each week in May. Our current forecast does not show the state receiving allocations of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is likely due to ongoing manufacturing challenges. Allocation numbers are subject to change as vaccine availability may change.

• Week of May 16: 385,180 total doses
  • This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer and 165,220 doses of Moderna
• Week of May 23: 383,369 total doses
  • This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer and 163,400 doses of Moderna
• Week of May 30: 385,180 total doses
  • This includes 219,960 doses of Pfizer and 165,220 doses of Moderna

Recently providers have been ordering less vaccine than they did in the past. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported it’s seeing similar trends across the country. This could be for a variety of reasons, including the fact providers already have vaccine on hand, vaccine is coming into the state through other channels, such as the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, and demand for vaccine has begun to slow down.

Anyone who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can now be vaccinated in Washington, regardless of where they live or work, as supply allows. Vaccination is critical to help end this pandemic and we know each vaccine that goes into an arm is good for everyone and helps protect us all.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine please reach out to your healthcare provider or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. It is important the vaccine is easily available to everyone, which is why we’ve made sure it’s at grocery store pharmacies, doctor’s offices, local popup clinics, and more.

To find vaccine near you, you can use the state’s Vaccine Locator website, text your zip code to GETVAX (438829) or VACUNA (822862) to receive addresses of nearby available vaccination sites, or you can call our new COVID-19 vaccination number 833-VAX-HELP. Language assistance is available.