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Dear DCYF Stakeholders and Tribal Partners,
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Washington is now in Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. This will increase the number of people who have access to the vaccine, including:
- People over the age of 65.
- All people 50 years or older in multigenerational households (homes where individuals from two or more generations reside, such as an elder and a grandchild).
This is in addition to populations eligible during phase 1A, including health care workers at high risk for COVID-19 infection, first responders, people who live or work in long-term care facilities, and all other workers in health settings who are at risk of COVID-19.
We understand there are many questions about the vaccine, i.e. “how will we know when it’s available” and “where do they need to go to receive it.” The Department of Health (DOH) website has a great tool to assist in identifying vaccine locations in your area. Once you are eligible to receive the vaccine, you can visit your local vaccine location. The processes to receiving the vaccine vary by location. Follow the directions on the website for your chosen location.
DCYF has worked with DOH to identify who will be eligible for upcoming phases. Our entire array of services (including foster parents, congregate care, CIHS, ESIT, child care, ECEAP…) will be eligible in Phase 1B2/1B4. The difference between the two phases will be based on age. To be eligible for Phase 1B2, you must be over 50 years old. The rest of the workforce will quality under Phase 1B4.
To clarify our previous message, medical experts are still unclear if a person who has been vaccinated can transmit the virus if they are infected after they have been vaccinated. Experts are studying if the vaccine is successful in limiting symptoms and transmission or only symptoms. For this reason, among others, masks and other mitigation strategies like physical distancing will be in effect for the foreseeable future regardless if you are vaccinated or not.
The Medical Community is confident in the safety of this vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccine for yourself and your family, here are some resources:
More information will be available in future message and through your program contacts.
Thank you for being a DCYF partner.
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