January 7, 2021
Getting You and Your Staff Vaccinated
All workers in health care settings can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine under the state's Phase 1A, tiers 1 and 2. However, the WSMA continues to hear from members facing hurdles accessing the vaccine for their practice and staff. The following guidance can help.
Phase Finder tool
The Washington State Department of Health is piloting "Phase Finder," a new tool now available for health care workers in Phase 1A, tiers 1 and 2, that does the following:
- Assesses eligibility confirmation and provides confirmation that can be used at a vaccine administration site in lieu of an official letter (note: providers are likely to ask for ID and/or badge).
- Identifies where they can go to get vaccinated.
To access the tool, go to findyourphasewa.com. Once you get to the final screen, you will find sites where you can get vaccinated. Please note: The state has clarified that this is a "soft launch" of the tool; in testing, WSMA staff found some of the vaccine site information neither complete nor accurate. This is especially true for the urban hospitals and the contacts listed. WSMA staff also found the tool to be slow; patience, and retries, are advised.
Phase Finder will launch broadly on Jan. 18 (state officials have advised not to share the tool beyond Phase 1A individuals at this time). The tool will be available in multiple languages and is intended to be used to provide eligibility confirmation onsite.
How the WSMA can help your practice get vaccinated
If you would like WSMA's help with getting your clinic connected with your local hospital, please complete our clinic form, emailed to all outpatient, non-hospital-affiliated physicians in our records on Wednesday, Jan. 6. We will share your information with your local hospital so that you and your staff are vaccinated as soon as possible. If your practice did not receive the email and form, click here to access. For questions, email policy@wsma.org.
Please note if your practice is in King County: The King County Medical Society is providing assistance for clinics in King County. Go here to access the KCMS form. WSMA members in King County are welcome to reach out to KCMS directly with any questions or concerns at info@kcmsociety.org.
We know several county medical societies are also collecting this information and coordinating with local public health departments. To learn more about what's happening at your local county medical society, reach out to them directly.
If you have additional questions, reach out to policy@wsma.org.