COVID-19 Vaccines in WA

All Washington residents age 18 and older are eligible for the vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status.

The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age. This is why the CDC recommends that adults 65 years and older receive COVID-19 vaccines.

People age 18 and older are eligible for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses to provide full protection; the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine requires one dose.

A third shot of COVID-19 vaccine is currently recommended only for people with significantly compromised immune systems, such as those receiving cancer treatments or organ transplants. See Frequently Asked Questions below for guidance about the vaccine and conditions such as weakened or compromised immune system and other special situations.

Find a vaccine location.

View COVID-19 information for older adults compiled by AARP ➜

All Washington residents age 18 and older are eligible for the vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status.

People age 18 and older are eligible for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses to provide full protection; the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine requires one dose.

Find a vaccine location.

Youth ages 12-17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine*

Getting youth ages 12 through 17 vaccinated is vital for families and communities. Ensure that everyone in your family can stay healthy, remain in the classroom, safely spend time with friends, and take part in activities they enjoy.

See what parents of minors should know about COVID-19 vaccines ➜

Learn about the vaccine for youth from a local doctor ➜

Learn what local youth have to say about the vaccine ➜

Find a vaccine location.

*Note: When scheduling an appointment for someone 12 to 17, make sure the location you choose administers the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only vaccine currently authorized for people that age. Parent or guardian consent is required.

Yes, you should get vaccinated even if you already had COVID-19 because:

• Research has not yet shown how long you are protected from getting COVID-19 again after you recover from COVID-19.
• Vaccination helps protect you even if you’ve already had COVID-19.
• Some research indicates that unvaccinated people who already had COVID-19 are more than 2 times as likely than fully vaccinated people to get COVID-19 again.

If you are unsure if COVID-19 vaccination is right for you, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic.

See Frequently Asked Questions below for guidance about the vaccine and conditions such as pregnancy, weakened or compromised immune system, and other special situations.

After you get the COVID-19 vaccine, you may experience reactions that include tiredness, nausea, headache, sore muscles, chills, and fever. These may feel unpleasant, but they’re a sign that the vaccine is teaching your body how to protect itself against COVID-19. These symptoms should go away within a few days.

Learn more about possible side effects from the CDC ➜

You may have heard that the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) vaccine was paused for 11 days in April 2021 due to reports of a rare, but serious side effect. According to the CDC, this side effect occurs at a rate of about 7 per 1 million vaccinated women between 18 and 49 years old, and this adverse event is even more rare for women 50 years and older and men of all ages. The CDC has recommended that use of the J&J vaccine resume, effective April 23, 2021.

You are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after you get your second shot if you had to get two doses (Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna), or two weeks after you get a single-dose Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. People who are not fully vaccinated, includes children over the age of 2, must continue to wear a mask in public settings. COVID-19 can still spread among unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people.

A third* shot of COVID-19 vaccine is currently available only for people with significantly compromised immune systems, such as those receiving cancer treatments or organ transplants. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised sometimes do not build enough (or any) protection when they first get a vaccination, and new data show that a third Moderna or Pfizer vaccine dose helps to increase vaccine effectiveness for this group.

A third dose is not offered or recommended for others at this time. Experts are developing plans for a booster shot for people who do not have significantly compromised immune systems, and further guidance is expected in the coming weeks.

*Note: This guidance applies only to those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. As of August 2021, the CDC has not recommended an additional dose for those who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Yes. Vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated individuals over five years of age are required to wear face masks/coverings in most public indoor settings, effective August 23. 2021.

Masks are required at most public indoor settings, for example:

• stores
• malls
• gyms
• community centers

Masks are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible, for example:

• sporting events
• fairs
• concerts

Yes. It is uncommon for fully vaccinated individuals to become sick with COVID-19 because the vaccines are highly effective. However, since none of the vaccines are 100% effective, a small proportion of vaccinated people may still become infected with COVID-19. As of April 2021, vaccine breakthrough has occurred in about 0.01 percent of Washington’s fully vaccinated population.

You should get tested if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms. Find a COVID-19 Testing location near you.

Follow current CDC and health department travel recommendations.

• There is no question that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the U.S. have received shots.
• The technology used to develop the first two COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the U.S., from Moderna and Pfizer, is not new. It has been studied and used for decades in other medical research.
• It’s true that the COVID vaccines were developed more quickly than other vaccines in the past. But they have been carefully tested in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people. There were no serious safety concerns. The test results were reviewed and approved by several independent panels of experts.
• All three vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Additionally, the Pfizer vaccine is officially FDA approved.

COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the state and federal government, and reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination are taken very seriously. Detecting these rare side effects tells us that the systems in place to monitor the safety of these vaccines are working. The reports of a rare, but serious side effect of blood clots with low platelets were detected early, and the pause reflected the state and federal government’s commitment to transparency and safety as CDC and FDA gathered and reviewed additional data. COVID-19 vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that all COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are effective at preventing COVID-19. Additionally, ongoing research provides growing evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines offer similar protection in real world conditions.

➔ View details about what the research is telling us about the effectiveness of the COVID vaccines

• The COVID-19 vaccines were tested in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of volunteers of all races and ethnicities.
• In the trials, the vaccines protected adults of different races, ethnicities, and ages from the virus.

What people of color should know about the COVID-19 vaccines, by Sherita Golden, M.D., M.H.S., vice president and chief diversity officer at Johns Hopkins Medicine

Visit Join the Conversation to hear from doctors, nurses, and community health workers who identify as people of color.

EthnoMed at Harborview Medical Center has also compiled a directory of resources available in non-English languages.

➔ Protect Your Family – Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
➔ Proteja a su familia Vacúnese contra la COVID-19
➔ Ilaali Qoyskaaga Iska tallaal COVID-19
➔ ቤተሰብዎን ይጠብቁ የኮቪድ-19 ክትባትን ይውሰዱ
➔ 保护您的家人– 接种新冠19疫苗
➔ Bảo vệ Gia đình Quý vị Chủng ngừa COVID-19

A breakthrough case occurs when a fully vaccinated person becomes infected with the coronavirus. A fully vaccinated person who becomes infected may become ill and may spread the coronavirus to others.

The Delta variant is a strain that causes more infections and spreads faster than early forms of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19/coronavirus). The Delta variant is highly contagious, and some data suggest the it might cause more severe illness than previous strains in unvaccinated persons.

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is the best way to keep you, your loved ones, and our community safe.

➔ Visit the CDC to learn more about breakthroughs and variants
➔ Read this Yale Medicine article explaining why vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and transmission

A third* shot (commonly referred to as a “booster”) of COVID-19 vaccine is currently available only for people with significantly compromised immune systems, such as those receiving cancer treatments or organ transplants. New data show that a third Moderna or Pfizer vaccine dose helps to increase vaccine effectiveness for this group.

Washington public health authorities do not offer or recommend booster doses for others at this time. Experts are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of a booster shot for people who do not have significantly compromised immune systems, and further guidance is expected in the coming weeks.”

*Note: This guidance applies only to those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. As of August 2021, the CDC has not recommended an additional dose for those who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

No. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

None of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines or vaccines currently in development in the U.S. contain the live virus that causes COVID. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

After you get the COVID-19 vaccine, you may experience reactions that include tiredness, nausea, headache, sore muscles, chills, and fever. These may feel unpleasant, but they’re a sign that the vaccine is teaching your body how to protect itself against COVID-19. These symptoms should go away within a few days.

Learn more about possible side effects from the CDC ➜

You may have heard that the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) vaccine was paused for 11 days in April 2021 due to reports of a rare, but serious side effect. According to the CDC, this side effect occurs at a rate of about 7 per 1 million vaccinated women between 18 and 49 years old, and this adverse event is even more rare for women 50 years and older and men of all ages. The CDC has recommended that use of the J&J vaccine resume, effective April 23, 2021.

You are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after you get your second shot if you had to get two doses (Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna), or two weeks after you get a single-dose Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. People who are not fully vaccinated, includes children over the age of 2, must continue to wear a mask in public settings. COVID-19 can still spread among unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people.

A third* shot (commonly referred to as a “booster”) of COVID-19 vaccine is currently available only for people with significantly compromised immune systems, such as those receiving cancer treatments or organ transplants. New data show that a third Moderna or Pfizer vaccine dose helps to increase vaccine effectiveness for this group.

Washington public health authorities do not offer or recommend booster doses for others at this time. Experts are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of a booster shot for people who do not have significantly compromised immune systems, and further guidance is expected in the coming weeks.”

*Note: This guidance applies only to those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. As of August 2021, the CDC has not recommended an additional dose for those who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides answers to frequently asked questions and strongly recommends you talk with your health care provider about whether the vaccine is right for you, based on your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was paused for 11 days in April 2021 due to reports of a rare, but serious side effect of blood clots with low platelets (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS) in women under age 50. This side effect is rare, occurring at a rate of about 7 per 1 million vaccinated women between 18 and 49 years old. For women 50 years and older and men of all ages, this side effect is even more rare. The concern and pause was only associated with the J&J vaccine, not the Moderna or Pfizer BioNTech vaccines. After a review of all available data, the J&J vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks for those recommended to receive it.

If you get the J&J vaccine, or have received it recently, watch for the possible symptoms of a blood clot with low platelets for three weeks after receiving the vaccine and seek medical care right away if you develop any. Remember, it is normal to have mild to moderate symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and joint/muscle pain, during the first week after receiving any COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any questions at all, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic.

Youth ages 12-17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine*

Getting youth ages 12 through 17 vaccinated is vital for families and communities. Ensure that everyone in your family can stay healthy, remain in the classroom, safely spend time with friends, and take part in activities they enjoy.

You may have heard about a small number o​f adolescents and young adults who experienced mild cases of heart inflammation (called myocarditis) after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Most recovered on their own or with minimal treatment and rest. Based on the latest evidence, myocarditis appears to be an extremely rare side effect. The CDC, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics and other major medical groups, continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people 12 years and older.

Learn more about myocarditis and the COVID vaccine from a pediatrician ➜

See what parents of minors should know about COVID-19 vaccines ➜

Learn about the vaccine for youth from a local doctor ➜

Learn what local youth have to say about the vaccine ➜

Find a vaccine location.

*Note: When scheduling an appointment for someone 12 to 17, make sure the location you choose administers the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only vaccine currently authorized for people that age. Parent or guardian consent is required.

If you are unsure if COVID-19 vaccination is right for you, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic.

Please see the CDC’s recommendations for people with specific health or life conditions, such as older adults, people with allergies, and workers in certain fields.

• No, this is not possible. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines like Pfizer’s and Moderna’s never enter the cell nucleus, where the DNA, your genetic material, lives.
• The vaccine is broken down quickly once it enters the cell and delivers the needed “message” to the cell’s machinery.
• Imagine the vaccine enters your body with an instruction manual. Your immune system memorizes the manual so it can fight COVID-19. It can’t change your DNA.

No. This is a myth circulated online by non-scientific sources. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility.

The Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech require two doses to provide full protection, rather than one dose for J&J.

The technology used to develop the first two COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the U.S., from Moderna and Pfizer, is not new. It has been studied and used for decades in other medical research. It’s true that the COVID vaccines were developed more quickly than other vaccines in the past. But they have been carefully tested in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people. There were no serious safety concerns. The test results were reviewed and approved by several independent panels of experts. Additionally, the Pfizer vaccine is officially FDA approved.

• Some people experience mild or moderate side effects; others don’t. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. You may also have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache.
• These side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection. It means the vaccine is doing its job. It does not mean you have COVID-19. If the side effects don’t go away within a few days, or you have more serious symptoms, call your doctor.

The the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine requires one dose to provide full protection from COVID-19. In comparison, the Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines require two doses to provide full protection.

The J&J vaccine was paused for 11 days in April 2021 due to reports of a rare, but serious side effect of blood clots with low platelets (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS) in women under age 50. This side effect is rare, occurring at a rate of about 7 per 1 million vaccinated women between 18 and 49 years old. For women 50 years and older and men of all ages, this side effect is even more rare.

If you are concerned about the J&J vaccine, Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are available. The concern and pause was only associated with the J&J vaccine, not the Moderna or Pfizer BioNTech vaccines. The main difference is that Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech require two doses to provide full protection, rather than one dose for J&J.

After a review of all available data, the J&J vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks for those recommended to receive it. The Washington State Department of Health has resumed use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine statewide for everyone age 18 years and older, following the guidance of the FDA and CDC.

If you get the J&J vaccine, or have received it recently, watch for the possible symptoms of a blood clot with low platelets for three weeks after receiving the vaccine and seek medical care right away if you develop any. Remember, it is normal to have mild to moderate symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and joint/muscle pain, during the first week after receiving any COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any questions at all, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic.

• Nothing. The federal government is covering the vaccine for free to all people living in the United States.
• You should not be charged any out-of-pocket costs. You should not get a bill from your provider or from the place where you got your shot.
• Some providers may bill your health insurance plan an “administration fee” for giving you the vaccine. This is separate from the cost of the vaccine itself. Health plans, like CHPW, will cover the cost of any administration fee.

Yes! The CDC has a webpage with vaccine information that you can view in other languages. Just click on the “Languages” tab.

EthnoMed at Harborview Medical Center has also compiled a directory of resources available in non-English languages.

➔ Protect Your Family – Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
➔ Proteja a su familia Vacúnese contra la COVID-19
➔ Ilaali Qoyskaaga Iska tallaal COVID-19
➔ ቤተሰብዎን ይጠብቁ የኮቪድ-19 ክትባትን ይውሰዱ
➔ 保护您的家人– 接种新冠19疫苗
➔ Bảo vệ Gia đình Quý vị Chủng ngừa COVID-19

Yes. All residents age 12 and older are eligible for the vaccine, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. The vaccine is FREE $0.

You should not be charged out-of-pocket costs, or receive a bill from your provider or from the vaccination facility. This applies to people who are uninsured, as well as those who have private insurance, have Apple Health (Medicaid), or have Medicare.

If you get other services while you are at your provider to get vaccinated, you may get a bill for an office visit. To prevent this, you can ask your provider beforehand about cost.

Visit the WA Department of Health for details about COVID vaccine billing ➜

No. The vaccine is free for everyone, including those who don’t have legal immigration status or cannot prove citizenship. You do not need a social security number, or other documents with your immigration status, to get the vaccine. Some vaccine providers might ask for a social security number, but you do not have to give one.

Testing, treatment, and vaccination for coronavirus will not count against you in a test of public charge. You and your family members can get the care you need without fear.

Learn more about COVID and immigration status from the Northwest Justice Project ➜

Learn more about the COVID vaccine and immigration status from the WA Department of Health ➜