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UPDATED: What to know about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations
- tadsooter
- 3 sept
- 3 Min. de lectura
Actualizado: 5 sept
NOTE: We updated this post on Sept. 5 with new information. We will continue to update this post as we receive updates from our state partners. You can contact our immunizations team at 360-728-2007 or immunizations@kitsappublichealth.org.
If you follow the news, you know there has been a lot of discussion around changing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Here are a few key points to be aware of as we enter the fall season:
You can - and should! - still get a yearly COVID-19 vaccine.
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that everyone 6 months and older, including people who are pregnant, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. This recommendation is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
On Sept. 5, the state Department of Health announced a Standing Order for updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines, which allows most residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic or pharmacy without an individual prescription.
The vaccines remain covered by most private insurers, Apple Health (Medicaid), and Washington’s Adult Vaccine and Childhood Vaccine Programs. Learn more here.
COVID-19 vaccine availability is currently limited.
According to the Department of Health, some health care providers have already received the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, while other providers are still waiting to receive supplies of the updated vaccine, which may limit appointments.
Supply through the Childhood and Adult Vaccine programs are not available yet and may not be available until late September or October.
2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available.
What's happening nationally...
In August, the federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated (2025-2026) COVID-19 vaccines but placed limits on who can receive them.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet in September to make its recommendations for updated COVID-19 vaccines.
On Sept. 3, the governors of Washington, California, and Oregon announced an alliance to provide residents with consistent public health guidance in response to changes at the CDC. According to Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, the three states are “beginning the process to provide evidence-based unified recommendations to their residents regarding who should receive immunizations and to help ensure the public has access and credible information for confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy.”
On Sept. 5, the state Department of Health announced a Standing Order to make it easier for Washingtonians to access updated COVID-19 vaccines.
Kitsap Public Health will continue to follow vaccine recommendations adopted by the Washington State Department of Health. We are committed to sharing the best available information and science-based recommendations with our community and healthcare providers.
COVID-19 is still impacting our county and vaccines remain an important tool for staying healthy.
COVID-19 is not as widespread or severe as it was during the peak of the pandemic. However, the virus is still spreading throughout Kitsap and continues to cause severe illnesses and hospitalizations.
“We need to make sure that our best defense, which at this point is vaccination, remains available,” Dr. Herbie Duber, interim Health Officer for Kitsap Public Health District
In addition to staying up to date on vaccines, everyone can take simple steps to prevent getting and spreading respiratory illnesses:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Stay at home as much as possible when you are sick
Consider wearing a mask when you are in crowded indoor spaces
