DOH confirms COVID-19 vaccine place with new Standing Order

For rapid launch: September 5, 2025   (25-104)

Contact: DOH Communications

Standing Order improves vaccine entry for everybody 6 months and older

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) issued a Standing Order for the COVID-19 vaccine, making it simpler for Washington residents to get vaccinated. The order comes as DOH reaffirms its steering that everybody 6 months and older, together with pregnant folks, ought to keep updated on COVID-19 vaccinations to guard in opposition to extreme sickness, hospitalization, and demise. This suggestion aligns with steering from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

“COVID-19 vaccines are well-researched, well-tested, and have saved millions of lives around the world,” mentioned Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, State Health Officer, DOH. “The barriers to COVID-19 vaccination are complex, and the Standing Order is just one part of the solution. We want to ensure all Washington residents have access to the protection these vaccines provide based on the best available science.”

Standing Order improves vaccine entry

The new Standing Order permits most residents to go on to a Washington pharmacy or clinic and obtain the COVID-19 vaccine with out a person prescription. The vaccine stays lined by most non-public insurers, Apple Health, and Washington’s Adult Vaccine and Childhood Vaccine Programs, eradicating boundaries and serving to folks keep wholesome. Learn extra concerning the Standing Order and discover solutions to often requested questions right here.

West Coast states unite in vaccine, public well being steering

The Standing Order follows Washington’s Sept. 3 announcement becoming a member of Oregon and California to kind the West Coast Health Alliance, with Hawaii becoming a member of the partnership on Sept. 4. The Alliance is dedicated to utilizing the perfect obtainable science to information public well being selections. It was created in response to current federal actions that undermined the independence of the CDC and raised considerations concerning the politicization of science. Together, the three states will assist guarantee public well being insurance policies are knowledgeable by trusted scientists, clinicians, and different public well being leaders. 

“Washington State will not compromise when it comes to our values: science drives our public health policy,” mentioned Dennis Worsham, Washington State Secretary of Health. “Our commitment is to the health and safety of our communities, protecting lives through prevention, and not yielding to unsubstantiated theories that dismiss decades of proven public health practice.”

“Washington will step as much as shield our residents and guarantee our insurance policies are nonetheless based mostly in rigorous science. We want the perfect science and information obtainable to guard public well being. I’ll do all the things in my energy to guard Washingtonians and arise for our values as a state,” mentioned Governor Bob Ferguson.

Protect your self and your group

While some well being care suppliers have already obtained the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, different suppliers are nonetheless ready to obtain provides of the up to date vaccine, which can restrict appointments. Supply via the Childhood and Adult Vaccine packages will not be obtainable but, and might not be obtainable till late September or October. DOH urges everybody to stay affected person however vigilant in staying updated on vaccinations. Ask your supplier or native pharmacy after they count on to begin providing COVID-19 vaccines for the season and prioritize making vaccination appointments for your self and your loved ones.

For extra details about the COVID-19 vaccine, discuss to your supplier or go to DOH’s web site.

Our web site is your supply for a wholesome dose of data. Get updates by following us on social media.

###