The Department of Health continues to recommend that everyone six months and older, including pregnant people, stay up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death. DOH supports evidence-based COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from trusted national medical associations including the American Academy of Pediatrics for those six months-18 years old, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for all pregnant individuals, and the American Academy of Family Physicians for adults 19 years and older.
To support Washingtonians in their efforts to protect themselves from COVID-19, effective today DOH is issuing a statewide standing order for COVID-19 vaccines. Under the direction of the State Health Officer, the standing order authorizes qualified health care professionals to vaccinate individuals aged six months and older, including pregnant persons, who do not have contraindications to the vaccine. Please review the standing order and FAQs on the DOH website and share with your networks as appropriate.
If you have questions about insurance coverage, we recently shared updated information on COVID-19 vaccine insurance coverage. This includes key details on coverage and billing through Apple Health (Medicaid) and private insurers.
We recognize ongoing challenges with vaccine access and provider liability. The barriers to COVID-19 vaccination are complex, and the standing order is just one part of the solution. As we work to minimize barriers, we acknowledge that challenges will remain this respiratory virus season, and many may still have trouble accessing vaccines.
DOH is actively monitoring these issues and working toward solutions. For the latest information, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Health Care Providers web page (Darcy Jaffe)