COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccine Facts

 

 

 

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to people 6 months of age and older.

April 19th, 2023 – Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

These changes include:

  • CDC’s new recommendations allow an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised. This allows more flexibility for healthcare providers to administer additional doses to immunocompromised patients as needed.
  • Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the United States.
  • CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series.
  • Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
  • For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received.

mRNA vaccines are preferred, but the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is still available if you aren’t able or willing to get another vaccine. 

The Washington State Department of Health is currently reviewing and updating our webpages and supporting resources to reflect these new recommendations.

Resources and Recommendations

Find additional resources and recommendations. For vaccine-specific information, choose the vaccine tab. Some resources in many languages.

COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several vaccines are authorized for emergency use or fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These vaccines are currently being distributed in Washington state.

Staying up to date with all doses as soon as you are eligible is your best protection against serious illness and death from COVID-19.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

DOH Information for Health Care Providers

Press Briefings and Statements

Washington State Coronavirus Response Telebriefings

Washington State Department of Health Media Statements