UW Medicine delays some 2nd vaccine doses due to limited supply
Some clinics and hospitals, including UW Medicine in Seattle, are stretching out the recommended time between COVID-19 vaccine doses due to limited supply.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended healthcare providers give the second dose of the Moderna vaccine four weeks after the first shot. Doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are supposed to be given three weeks apart, according to the CDC.
These chain pharmacies will offer COVID-19 vaccines in Washington
Safeway, Fred Meyer and Costco plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in Washington state, as part of a pharmacy partnership with the federal government to speed up distribution and reach more people.
The doses at the pharmacies are in addition to what the federal government is providing to states.
Facebook group helps thousands find COVID-19 vaccine appointments
The Facebook group “Find a COVID shot WA” is run by volunteers, with many helping to translate vaccine appointment information to at least 10 different languages.
The group has brought relief to many people who have had a hard time finding a place to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
Local crews gearing up to clear snow from roads to COVID-19 vaccine sites
Roads crews said a new lowland snow challenge this year is ensuring roads are clear so people can access COVID-19 vaccination sites.
The Washington State Department of Transportation
"The need for access to vaccine centers underscores our usual request: if travelers are able, we ask people to not drive during wintry conditions,” said WSDOT spokesperson Stefanie Randolph. “That gives crews the space they need to safely clear the roads.”
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released an online portal to check your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. Use the PhaseFinder tool to input personal information like age, health conditions and essential worker status to determine if it's your turn.
As of Jan. 18, Washington is vaccinating people in Phase 1A and the first tier of Phase 1B. That includes:
- High-risk health care workers and first responders
- Long-term care residents
- People 65 years old and older
- People 50 years old and older in multigenerational households
If you are eligible, find a list of vaccine providers on the DOH website and information on how to make an appointment.
