Washington Submits COVID-19 Vaccination Plan To CDC

Charles Woodman
Updated ·3 min read

WASHINGTON — The Washington State Department of Health has submitted an interim COVID-19 vaccination plan to the CDC for approval, giving a better idea of how the state will prepare to distribute a potential vaccine in Washington.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention required all states to submit a distribution proposal by Oct. 16, describing in detail how the state could broadly administer a vaccine once one is given FDA approval. Now that that plan is completed and submitted, officials say they have a better idea of how preparation and distribution will work, but stress that nothing is set in stone just yet.

“We want to emphasize that this is the first version of our plan,” said Michele Roberts, the DOH's Acting Assistant Secretary. “This is essentially a living document. But the one thing that won’t change is our focus on equitable distribution of the vaccine as a priority. As we learn more about the vaccine, and as we learn more specifically from communities and partners most impacted by COVID-19, this plan will evolve.”

The total planning document is not available to the public yet, but the DOH has released some details explaining how they'll prepare for the vaccine's eventual distribution. They've divided those actions into two categories: provider and public health actions, things that the state and health care providers need to do to prepare for distribution, and community actions, things the state must do to prepare the populace to quickly receive the vaccine.

Provider and public health actions

  • The state will identify critical and disproportionately impacted communities to receive the vaccine.

  • Identify which providers should offer COVID-19 vaccination.

    • Train those providers on vaccine storage, handling and administration, as well as reminder and recall techniques and vaccine promotion.

  • Gather vaccine administration data.

Community actions

  • Support the distribution of vaccine in phases.

  • Gather feedback from communities that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 or at higher risk for the disease.

  • Conduct outreach and education in a what that is equitable and fair.

  • Build trust and confidence in the vaccine in Washington's communities.

  • Provide accurate safety information on the vaccine.

  • Promote COVID-19 vaccination for everyone who qualifies to receive the vaccine.

Again, officials stress that parts of the plan may change depending on the response from the CDC and health care workers or providers.

“We plan to open up the doors to feedback about this plan," said Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy secretary for COVID-19 Response. “Decision-making is happening alongside our many partners at the local, state, and federal levels.”

If the plan works, the DOH says that they believe the people of Washington will understand how the vaccine is being distributed, why certain community members will receive the vaccine first, and know how and when they themselves can get the vaccine.

As for when a vaccine may be publicly available: it could still be some time yet. Several vaccines are being tested right now, but it's unknown which, if any, will end up being viable. The Washington State Department of Health says they will continue to closely monitor the Food and Drug Administration's approval process to make sure it is both thorough and transparent to the public.

This article originally appeared on the Seattle Patch