COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Several COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for emergency use or fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These vaccines are available in Washington state.

Washington State COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

Below are the documents that Washington state used to plan and implement vaccine rollout.

Vaccine Distribution FAQs

How does vaccine distribution work?

The CDC primarily manages distribution of COVID-19 vaccine.  Providers enrolled in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program can order vaccine through the Washington State Department of Health at any time or request vaccine supply from local vaccine depots. Vaccine orders and transfers are approved throughout the week.

If vaccine doses are limited, the federal and state governments consider many factors such as prioritization of high-risk groups, vaccine supply and distribution, logistics, safety, and clinical guidance when deciding where to send vaccine shipments. This is called allocation. See the vaccine allocation section below for more details.

Vaccine distribution adjusts over time depending on the number of available doses.

When there is enough vaccine supply, we can fulfill orders as needed rather than using allocation.

Who are your partners in Washington state?

The Department of Health engages and coordinates with tribal nations, local government, community leaders, and other partners to develop and implement vaccination efforts.

COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation and Prioritization

Framework for Vaccine Allocation and Prioritization in WA

Due to an initial limited supply of vaccine, we did not have enough to offer it to everyone. We had to make tough decisions about who would get the vaccine first. This is called vaccine allocation and prioritization. We developed Washington's framework for vaccine allocation and prioritization through an ongoing, robust public process. The framework balances federal guidance with the unique needs of our state and seeks to address health inequities that stem from historical injustices.

Washington State COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Guidance

Washington state's vaccine allocation and prioritization guidance (PDF) Updated March 24, 2021

Allocation FAQs

How do providers order vaccine for the next week?

Providers place vaccine orders in the state Immunization Information System (IIS).

Ordering in the IIS is open seven days a week and the Department of Health approves orders on Mondays and Thursdays at noon (12 p.m.).

If providers need extra vaccine between orders, they can request more from other providers in the IIS or from a vaccine depot.

For more information on ordering, visit our Vaccine Ordering & Receiving Guide (PDF) or COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Schedule (PDF).

How soon after giving a COVID-19 vaccine do providers submit data?

Providers must submit COVID-19 vaccination data in the Immunization Information System (IIS) within 24 hours of giving a vaccine.

For more information on timing, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Schedule (PDF).

What if a provider didn't get a REDCap survey link?

Providers who do not get the weekly REDCap allocation survey should email us at covid.vaccine@doh.wa.gov.

How soon after submitting an order do providers know if they are getting vaccine next week?

The Department of Health approves orders within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.

Where can providers find help placing vaccine orders in the IIS?

For detailed information about placing a vaccine order, use our quick reference guide for vaccine ordering and receiving (PDF), or view our video training on placing vaccine orders. Additional IIS guidance documents are in the IIS Training Portal.

Where can I direct allocation questions?

If you need help or have questions about vaccine allocations, contact covid.vaccine@doh.wa.gov.