January 7, 2021

DOH Announces Details on Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccinations

Washington State Department of Health officials this week announced details on the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, Phase 1B, while also committing to redoubling efforts to ensure all workers in health care settings in Phase 1A are able to get their vaccination.

The state made clear in its announcement that it is not moving into Phase 1B yet, and that Washington is still in Phase 1A. Details and a timeline are being released by the DOH to allow for logistical and administrative planning.

Phase 1B details and timeline

The state has broken its Phase 1B into four tiers. This next phase is based upon the broad guidance provided by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as well as input from state partners and the public.

1B1 (Tier 1)

• All people 70 years and older.
• People 50 years and older who live in multigenerational households.

1B2 (Tier 2)

• High-risk critical workers 50 years and older who work in congregate settings:
  • Agriculture; food processing; grocery stores; K-12 (teachers and school staff); child care; corrections, prisons, jails, or detention facilities (staff); public transit; fire; law enforcement.

1B3 (Tier 3)

• People 16 years or older with two or more co-morbidities or underlying condition.

1B4 (Tier 4)

• High-risk critical workers in congregate settings under 50 years old.
• People, staff, and volunteers of all ages in congregate living settings:
• Correctional facilities; group homes for people with disabilities; shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

The DOH has released a timeline for phase 1B and in-depth guidance for all released phases to in its COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Guidance and Interim Allocation Framework (updated Jan. 7, 2021). More details on the state's vaccine distribution planning can be found on the DOH COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

Phase 1A vaccinations

In announcing the new phase, DOH officials emphasized that pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals in Washington are still hard at work vaccinating people in Phase 1A, tiers 1 and 2. The DOH is working closely with the WSMA, the Washington State Hospital Association, and other health care partners to help ensure all workers in health care settings get vaccinated as quickly as possible. However, the state did indicate some communities may move into phase 1B before other communities have finished 1A, in recognition of the differing makeup and needs of localities. If you are having issues accessing vaccinations for yourself or your staff, see our update in this issue ("Getting You and Your Staff Vaccinated").