We have partnered with King County and Public Health to bring you real-time relevant information on what is happening with regards to vaccines in King County. We will be sending you these updates on a regular basis (every two weeks) so that you can stay apprised of what is happening.
Employers play a critical role in sharing reliable information about what is happening related to vaccines, and we hope that each time you receive this update, you’ll share the information with your colleagues.
In each of these emails, there will be two things for you to read or watch to help answer questions that are emerging.
Update on Vaccine Rollout from King County
King County is working hard to rapidly vaccinate the 1.8 million adults who live in our region, starting with those at highest risk, with a goal of reaching 70%, or 1.26 million people with two doses of vaccine (the two currently approved COVID-19 vaccines currently are two-dose vaccines), by the end of summer. One thing to celebrate is that nearly 60 percent of the county-licensed healthcare workers have received at least one dose of a vaccine.
While supply of vaccine is a constraint, we are confident that all eligible will receive their vaccines in the upcoming weeks and months. Provider groups Seattle Metro Chamberistering vaccines will continue to prioritize second doses to ensure that people receive their second vaccine dose.
The biggest constraint remains short supply from the manufacturers and the federal government. Right now, King County has vaccine supply for only 1 in 12 eligible individuals and public health guidance is to focus that scarce supply on those most vulnerable to the impacts of Covid-19. While supply remains a constraint currently, the systems are being put in place so that when supply increases all those who are eligible will be able to quickly get vaccinated.
We understand that it can be difficult to navigate where and how to get vaccinated. There is an attachment that outlines who is eligible and how to get vaccinated in King County to help make the process easier.
One great step forward is that King County government has opened its first high-volume vaccination sites this week. These sites are located in South King County where the disease burden is highest. Residents in South King County can access appointment scheduling here. Additionally, there are seven mobile vaccination teams in the field providing doses to high-risk seniors. These efforts will grow with the vaccine supply, in partnership with many business and health care providers across the county. You can read King County’s Unified Regional Strategy COVID Vaccine Delivery and stay up to date with weekly strategy updates.
While the vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic, the latest estimates suggest it will take until the end of the summer to vaccinate 70 percent of our adult population. It is critical that everyone continues to be vigilant: stay home when sick, wear a mask, and stick with people who live in your household if you are able. Working together, King County has achieved one of the lowest rates of infection of COVID-19 for urban counties in the U.S.
Two Things to Read & Watch
Who is eligible for a vaccine right now and how would I get it if I am eligible?
Take a look at this flyer that outlines who is eligible and three ways to get an appointment. Remember, it is important that you get BOTH the first and second doses of the vaccine and it is recommended that you do this at the same location.
How were the COVID vaccines developed?
How did it go so fast?
Did steps get skipped that effects safety?
These are great questions. Check out this one-minute video that helps explain and answer how scientists quickly developed, tested, and produced these COVID-19 vaccines with the same attention to safety as every other vaccine approved for use in our country.
Thank you for doing your part to learn about the vaccines available and continue practising the safety measures that will help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.