Washington State Health Department Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine for Everyone Aged Six Months and Older

In a significant departure from CDC guidance, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is advising that all individuals aged six months and older should keep up with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

This new recommendation is a considerable shift from an earlier directive from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which, back in late August, limited vaccine eligibility to those 65 and older or individuals six months and older who have specific health conditions making them particularly vulnerable to the virus.

This marks the first official recommendation from the DOH since the states of Washington, Oregon, and California formed a united front to craft their own vaccination guidelines. They cited recent federal actions that they believe compromise the CDC’s credibility.

It’s noteworthy that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, who has been critical of vaccines, has reshaped the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by replacing its members with his own picks who share similar skeptical views. This committee is slated to convene in mid-September to provide formal recommendations regarding COVID vaccines, along with vaccines for other diseases like hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Historically, states have aligned with CDC recommendations, but now, many are looking to the West Coast for a different model, setting their own advisory committees. The West Coast Health Alliance, which has expanded to include Hawaii, is taking cues from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Some states, like New York, are also diverging from established protocols. Governor Kathy Hochul has plans to issue an executive order that will widen access to the vaccine for nearly everyone who wants it.

Limited Vaccine Supply Expected in September

The DOH has warned that there could be limited availability for COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Many providers are still awaiting their updated vaccine stock.

Currently, the DOH’s Childhood and Adult Vaccine programs are not operational and may not resume until late September or October.

“We urge everyone to be patient and proactive in keeping up with vaccinations,” the DOH stated.

The department also noted that the vaccine is covered by most private insurance, as well as through Apple Health (Washington’s Medicaid program), when the vaccines become available.