COVID Vaccine Priorities Being Finalized

So far, 116 health care providers in Washington State have applied to become a COVID-19 vaccination site, when it becomes available to administer.

But that's not all…according to Michelle Roberts with the Department of Health.

"We're working on finalizing our initial vaccine allocation and prioritization framework. This includes feedback from the communities, partners, sectors and industries that are heavily impacted by COVID-19. We will also use guidance from the federal advisory committee on immunization practices."

The federal government is finalizing their list of priority recipients this week and next.

Michelle Roberts of the Washington State Health Department adds that once the list is complete…the state will develop an online tool where people can figure out exactly what catagory they fit into and when they will be able to get the vaccine.

"What we know for sure right now is that the first phase of vaccinations, called 1A, will focus on workers in health care settings that serve patients that either have confirmed or suspected COVID-19, along with staff and residents of long-term care facilities."

Some of the lists should be finalized in the next week.