The Washington State Department of Health released updated immunization schedules for children and adults, providing recommendations based on evidence from leading medical and public health organizations. The updated guidance includes recommendations for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as routine childhood immunizations and catch-up schedules for those who may be behind.
The state's COVID-19 vaccine standing order was updated this month to allow everyone ages 6 months and older in Washington to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The standing order reaffirms state guidance that people should stay current on COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
All vaccines recommended by the Department of Health remain available at no cost for children under age 19 through Washington's Childhood Vaccine Program at participating providers. Uninsured adults ages 19 and older can receive recommended vaccines at no cost through the Adult Vaccine Program.
Earlier this year, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2242 into law, which ties insurance coverage requirements to preventive services recommendations from the Department of Health. In response, the Department launched a Vaccine Recommendations webpage providing current state immunization guidance for health care providers and local health jurisdictions.
"When people have trusted information and access to the tools they need, we build healthier, more resilient communities," said Dennis Worsham, Secretary of Health.