
- Allow at least 3 days for order approval from time of submission for accountability checks
- Orders need to be in "Pending State Approval" status in the IIS by close of business the weekday before the processing day
- If there is not enough vaccine in allocation, orders will be reduced based on the Vaccine Allocation and Equity Plan
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The 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine has been approved but is not yet available. Until then, the 2025-2026 vaccine remains available while supplies last.
- Patients at higher risk for severe illness should not wait for the new formulation if they are due for vaccination now.
- Patients who expect to travel should also consider vaccination before their trip to allow time for protection to develop.
- Patients that receive a 2025-2025 dose can also receive the 2026-2027 formulation when it becomes available, as long as the recommended interval between doses has passed.
- Ordering guidance for 2026–2027 vaccines will be shared as soon as we receive notice from CDC.
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Remaining inventory of 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine should continue to be safely stored refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) - do not discard or attempt to return unexpired vaccine.
- We will share additional information and guidance on next steps in upcoming Vaccine Blurbs.
- Starting in October, providers should offer RSV antibodies to eligible patients.
- Clinics should start recalling infants born in the spring or summer who will need Beyfortus or Enflonsia for the coming season.
- Influenza vaccination is recommended annually for everyone aged 6 months and older.
- For most people, vaccination should ideally occur in September or October, although vaccination should continue throughout the season.
Respiratory Vaccine Choice
All providers must submit a Respiratory Vaccine Choice form to select RSV and/or COVID-19 vaccine order sets for the respiratory season. You will not have access to a respiratory order set without a completed form. Completed forms can be sent to WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov.
The Washington State Department of Health is hosting a respiratory season vaccine updates webinar this Thursday, September 17. The webinar will cover:
- Respiratory season clinical overview and vaccine recommendations.
- Respiratory season vaccine allocation and the ordering process.
- Strategies to improve clinic workflow for respiratory season vaccines.
Date: September 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. PDT
Webinar Registration - TRAIN.org
Continuing education (CE) credits are available for nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and naturopathic physicians. The webinar will be recorded and CEs will be available for watching the recording.
Press Release: West Coast Health Alliance joint statement on federal Executive Order regarding childhood vaccines
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is aware of the Executive Order issued by the White House regarding childhood vaccine recommendations and is reviewing the details and potential implications for Washington.
An Executive Order is a directive from the president to federal agencies. It can direct agencies to take certain actions, but it does not immediately change vaccine recommendations, laws, or clinical practice. Any changes resulting from the order would require additional federal action and implementation.
Washington’s childhood immunization recommendations have not changed. They are guided by the best available science, informed by recommendations from trusted medical and public health experts, and aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization schedule. There are no changes to insurance coverage, or to school immunization requirements.
As DOH continues to monitor the Executive Order and subsequent federal actions, providers and partners should continue following current Washington state vaccine guidance. Please encourage patients and families to talk with their health care providers about questions or concerns about vaccinations.
Vaccine Guidance Resources
The Provider Agreement in the IIS should reflect your facility's current staff and vaccine coordinator assignments throughout the year. If there have been changes to the primary or back-up vaccine coordinators, billing coordinator, or any of the contacts listed on your agreement, please email WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov.
Keeping contacts current helps ensure we can reach the right people with important communications. Thank you for your cooperation!
Did you know that you can add your REDCap Temperature Monitoring Log Portal to your favorites or bookmarks? It's true! The link that is emailed to primary and back-up vaccine coordinators each month doesn't change so you can use it to submit temperature data at any time.
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