The vaccine for COVID-19 is now available. Health experts and scientists are strongly encouraging our community to be informed and take the vaccine as soon as eligible. Current research and trials tell us that getting vaccinated is important protection for yourself, but also for those most vulnerable in our community. In keeping our commitment to community, we are providing education and resources to ensure everyone has the information to make an informed decision about this vaccine and how to be healthy and safe through this pandemic.

Washington State has established a timeline and eligibility guidelines for when Washington residents will be eligible to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is being rolled out in phases and started with those at greatest risk of life-threatening consequences from contracting COVID-19. We are currently in Tier I, Phase 1B of vaccine distribution.

Like others, we are especially concerned for BIPOC and other communities disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. In a jointly-signed article in the Seattle Medium, six Seattle physicians of color remind us that:

“Many Black Americans are not ready to take coronavirus vaccine. With all the confusion and misinformation about the disease and the vaccine, we are not surprised. As physicians in the community, we study information and make decisions that are in the best interests of our patients, our families, and the communities we serve. We urge you and all Americans to take the coronavirus vaccine as soon as it is available to you.”

Studies from our nation’s leading epidemiologists, physicians and scientists indicate that getting the vaccine is up to 95% effective against severe illness caused by the COVID-19 virus and that it is one of our most important tools to end the pandemic.

Now is the time to learn, get your questions answered, and take proactive steps to protect your health. If you are hesitant to get the vaccine, we encourage you to review the resources listed below and contact your medical professional for guidance so that you have a plan and can make an informed decision when you are eligible to receive the vaccine.

We can beat this deadly disease ravaging our country and causing long term, disproportionate effects for multi-generational families in our community if we lean in, and on, one another. Hope alone will not defeat this virus. By taking the proactive steps that the experts tell us can make a difference, we can make meaningful progress, save lives, slow the spread, and put ourselves on a hopeful, healthier path for the future. 

Let’s do this for each other’s sake. Please get informed about the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to mask up and follow social distancing protocols even after receiving the vaccine.

In community,

Loria Yeadon, President & CEO

COVID-19 VACCINE RESOURCES

Information Hubs

• Vaccine information hub (Source: WA State Department of Health)
• Vaccine information hub (Source: Public Health - Seattle & King County)
• Vaccine information hub (Source: CDC)
• Vaccine safety and effectiveness (Source: WA State Department of Health)
• FAQ (Source: WA State Department of Health)
• FAQ (Source: CDC)

Locations

• Vaccine locations (Source: WA State Department of Health) 
• Starting February 1: High-volume vaccination sites in south King County, Kent and Auburn
• NEW! Facebook group: Find a COVID shot WA (A resource of people helping people find open slots for COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Washington)

Upcoming Events

• Online Event: COVID-19 Vaccine and the Black Community, February 26, 1-2 pm

About Vaccine Phases

• Current phase: 1B, Tier 1 (People ages 65+, People ages 50+ that live in multigenerational households) (Source: WA State Department of Health)
• Phase Finder: When you can get the vaccine (Source: WA State Department of Health)