News & Information
COVID-19 Testing Results Update for Kitsap County as of 11:00 a.m., December 2
- Positive tests to date: 18,312
- Deaths to date: 251
- View Kitsap Public Health's COVID-19 surveillance report - Disponible en Español
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DATA UPDATE: The rate of new cases reported per 100,000 population over 7 days. Previously, the rate was new cases per 100,000 over 14 days.
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The COVID-19 Bulletin now publishes on an occassional basis. The Bulletin will continue to highlight recovery resources for businesses and families, as well as new guidance from the state, typically once or twice each month. The COVID-19 Weekly Outlook from KPHD will continue to provide the latest public health information on the pandemic. To subscribe to the Weekly Outlook click here and select "COVID-19 updates" under Kitsap Public Health District on the menu.
Now is the time to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Visit Kitsap County Public Health at kcowa.us/vaccine and sign up here for vaccine updates from Kitsap Public Health.
¿Quieres información sobre la vacuna COVID-19? Mira nuestro pagina para mas información de la vacuna y como obtener la vacuna: https://bit.ly/2XVht0W Tambien os puede llamar nuestro linea 360-728-2218
Vaccine booster shots now available for all adults
Eligibility for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine has recently expanded to include everyone ages 18 and older. This includes the Pfizer, Moderna, and J & J vaccines. The expansion comes following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.
The parameters for these vaccinations are as follows:
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Pzizer-Biotech - Adults aged 18 and older may receive this booster shot as early as six months after getting vaccinated.
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Moderna - Adults aged 18 and older may receive this booster shot as early as six months after getting vaccinated.
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Johnson & Johnson - Adults aged 18 and older may receive this booster shot as early as two months after getting vaccinated.
Booster doses are especially important for those at high risk of severe COVID-19, including older adults, people with chronic conditions, and anyone living in a congregate setting. Any of the three COVID-19 vaccines currently available for use may be administered as a booster dose, regardless of which vaccine was used for the primary series.
Everyone age 5 and older is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. People who have not yet been vaccinated are highly encouraged to make an appointment today to protect themselves and those around them.
- Click here for a fact sheet for children ages 5-11.
- COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County can be found here.
News on the Omicron variant
Omicron is a recently discovered variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. It was first reported in South Africa in late November and has spread to other countries. It was detected for the first time in the United States on December 1. The World Health Organization has listed Omicron as a “variant of concern.” Researchers are studying the Omicron variant to determine how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and how effective existing vaccines are for preventing it.
In light of this news, Public Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow has a message for the people of Kitsap County:
"We know what we need to do to manage this new wrinkle. This is an important opportunity to get vaccinated if you haven't already. If you are vaccinated, make sure you have the best protection possible by getting a booster shot. Please get your children vaccinated if they are 5 or older and pay extra attention to masking up in indoor public spaces. Keep washing your hands and be conscious to maintain physical distancing. If you feel sick, stay home and get tested for COVID-19 soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing are your most valuable assets. Let's protect them."
 Digital record of vaccination on your smart phone
As businesses, schools, and other facilities reopen, many are requiring proof of vaccination for entry. Perhaps you’ve already experienced this when going to certain events, or your favorite restaurant. WA Verify is a new resource which allows you to verify your records electronically.
How WA Verify Works
Your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record is an electronic vaccination record drawn from the data stored in the state immunization registry. The digital record shows the same information as your paper CDC COVID-19 vaccine card: your name, date of birth, vaccination dates and type of vaccine you received. The digital record also includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader will display to the reader your name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type. If you want to share proof of vaccination, you can use either the electronic or a printed version of the record you’ll get from the system. The QR code also confirms the vaccine record as an official record of your state.
How to request your vaccination verification information:
Create an account with WA Verify at https://waverify.doh.wa.gov/ by entering your name, date of birth, and an email or mobile phone number associated with your vaccination record, then create a four-digit PIN number. If the information you submitted matches the official record, you will receive a text or email with a link to your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record. Enter the PIN you created to view the record.
If you never received a Vax Card, or if you lost or destroyed it, you can still get official proof of your vaccination. Proof of vaccination may still be obtained through your health care provider, from the location where you received your vaccine, or by setting up an account at www.MyIRMobile.com. It’s important to treat your vaccination card like your passport or birth certificate — keep it in a safe place and be sure to make a couple copies. You can take a picture of your card, make a photocopy, laminate the copy (but not the original), or take other steps to make sure you have copies of it available. If you have questions about your Digital COVID-19 Verification Record, visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
There is also a vaccine helpline from the Washington State Department of Health available to assist you in getting a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record. Call toll-free 1-833-829-4357 Tuesday - Sunday 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Mondays from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Drive thru testing remains vital in slowing the spread
Testing continues to play a critical role in slowing the spread of the virus when one experiences the symptoms of COVID-19 and in preparation for travel over the upcoming holidays. Our community-based testing sites in Kitsap County continue to be available four days each week at four different locations across the county. Here is the full list of locations:
- Mondays: Bainbridge Island - Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Dr NE
- Tuesdays: Bremerton - Harborside Parking Garage, 100 Washington Ave.
- Thursdays: Poulsbo - City Hall Parking Garage, 200 Moe St.
- Saturdays: Central Kitsap - Fairgrounds (Sheep Barn), 1200 Fairgrounds Rd NW
(Follow signs to the Van Zee building adjacent to the Sheep Barn on Dec. 4)
Registration is recommended for all locations to guarantee a spot and for faster service. For more information, visit kcowa.us/covidtesting. Additionally, Kitsap Public Health District regularly updates the list of local test providers. Questions about test sites? Call 2-1-1.
REPORTING OVER-THE-COUNTER COVID-19 TESTS: People who test themselves at home should report their results to public health by calling the Washington State Department of Health COVID hotline (1-800-525-0127) and follow CDC recommendations for isolation or quarantine.
Finding a COVID-19 vaccine provider
No matter where you are in Washington, the Vaccine Locator provided by Washington State Department of Health makes it easy to find and schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. A regularly updated list of COVID-19 vaccine providers in Kitsap County can be found here.
Homebound and need a COVID-19 vaccine?
Fill out a secure online form to let us know if you or someone you know is homebound. Your answers will allow us to connect individuals to available County and/or State Mobile Vaccine Teams.
Kitsap Public Health District continues to provide vaccine clinics at Bremerton Saint Michael Medical Center. Register at: https://kphd.timetap.com/#/
Need transportation? If you need transportation assistance to a COVID-19 vaccine site, please call Kitsap Transit's ACCESS service at (360) 479-7272 or (800) 422-2877. To make an appointment for a vaccination, please contact your health-care provider or clinic.
Need help? Call the hotline at 1-833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357), then press #. Language assistance is available. You can also text your zip code to 438-829 (GET VAX) or 822-862 (VACUNA) for vaccine locations near you.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at cdc.gov/coronavirus
Useful Links
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