Washington state has administered more than 2.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with the latest figures showing that around 13 percent of its population has been fully vaccinated.
So, who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Washington?
The state Department of Health says Washington is in Phase 1B Tier 2 of its vaccine distribution campaign. This includes:
High-risk critical workers who are at high risk of exposure and transmission in congregate settings. This refers to workers in sectors that are deemed essential, including agriculture, fishing, food processing, grocery stores/food banks, corrections (prisons, jails, detention centers) courts of law, public transit and the remaining first responders who were not covered in previous phases.
Individuals aged 16 years or older who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness.
Anyone aged 65 and older.
All individuals aged 50 and older who live in multigenerational households.
All workers at risk in health care settings.
Educators and school staff from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as child care workers.
People who live or work in long-term care facilities.
The term "congregate settings" refers to an environment where individuals work and/or live in an enclosed space in which they come into contact with a high volume of people over extended periods and cannot stick to social distancing measures. It applies to people who are within 6 feet of others for three hours or more in a day.
"Workers who are able to socially distance, work remotely or work off-site not in a congregate setting would not be included," say the state guidelines.
To sign up for a vaccine appointment in Washington, fill out the eligibility form at FindYourPhaseWA.org.
If you are eligible, you will receive a confirmation note on the screen. You should print or take a screenshot of this.
Next, use the state's vaccine locator tool to find a provider near you. Schedule an appointment and follow any instructions from the provider. Remember to take your eligibility confirmation with you to the appointment.
If you are not yet eligible, you can enter your email address or phone number at FindYourPhaseWA.org in order to be notified when it is your turn.
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Washington moved into Phase 1B Tier 2 on March 17, five days earlier than planned.
"It's also important to remember that caregivers are still eligible for a vaccine in Phase 1A," the Department of Health said in a statement.
"Anyone who supports the daily, functional and health needs of someone who is at high risk of COVID-19 illness due to advanced age, long-term physical condition, co-morbidities, or developmental or intellectual disability is considered a health care worker and is therefore eligible.
"They can be licensed, unlicensed, paid, unpaid, formal or informal. The person for whom they are providing care can be an adult or child."
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A nurse administers a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a community vaccination site in Seattle, Washington, on March 13.A nurse administers a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a community vaccination site in Seattle, Washington, on March 13.JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images
