Washington state releases guidance for COVID-19, flu and RSV immunization
- tadsooter
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Note: We will continue to post updates as we receive new information from our state partners. Click here for a summary of recent federal and state actions related to vaccine guidance. You can contact our Immunizations team at 360-728-2007 or immunizations@kitsappublichealth.org.
The Washington State Department of Health released updated vaccine recommendations this week for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.
The updated guidance includes COVID-19, flu (influenza) and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine recommendations for children, adults, and people who are pregnant. View detailed recommendations here.
The updated recommendations were developed in partnership with the newly formed West Coast Health Alliance, which includes the states of Washington, California, Oregon, and Hawaii, and informed by guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and other trusted medical organizations.
Kitsap Public Health District supports the Washington State Department of Health's vaccine recommendations as a key strategy to prevent severe illnesses and hospitalizations, and limit the spread of viruses in our community.
Finding vaccine appointments
If you or a family member needs a vaccine, contact your regular healthcare provider, a pharmacy, or a clinic that provides seasonal vaccinations. Kitsap Public Health District is offering free children’s clinics this fall. Check our Clinic page for information.
According to the state Department of Health, COVID-19, flu, and RSV immunizations are generally covered by insurance, including Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Vaccines are also available at little to no cost through Washington’s Childhood Vaccine Program for people under age 19, and through the Adult Vaccine Program for those ages 19 and older. It is safe to receive these vaccines at the same time.
If you need help finding an appointment in Kitsap, contact our team at immunizations@kitsappublichealth.org or 360-728-2007.
More ways to protect your health
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
What's happening nationally and in Washington state
In August, the federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated (2025-2026) COVID-19 vaccines but proposed limits on who can receive them.
In Sept. 3, the governors of Washington, California, and Oregon (late joined by Hawaii) created the West Coast Health Alliance to provide residents with consistent, science-based public health guidance in response to changes at the CDC.
On Sept. 5, the state Department of Health announced a Standing Order to make it easier for Washingtonians to access updated COVID-19 vaccines.
On Sept. 17, West Coast Health Alliance and Washington State Department of Health released updated recommendations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV immunization.
On Sept. 18 and 19, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet to make updated vaccine recommendations for COVID as well as several routine childhood vaccines. These recommendations will guide federal vaccine policies and could affect insurance coverage and vaccine availability.
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.
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