Many WA Vaccine Sites Closed Until Tuesday Due To Shipment Delays

OLYMPIA, WA — Delayed shipments will keep several state and county-run sites closed until at least Tuesday in Washington, according to the Department of Health.

Extreme winter weather stalled vaccine deliveries across the nation last week, complicating immunization efforts in Washington for several days. Over the weekend, officials announced three of the state's mass vaccination sites would remain closed through Monday. In a news release, DOH said delayed doses from Pfizer were expected Monday, and a backlog from Moderna should be cleared no later than Wednesday.

While the mass vaccination site in Wenatchee had enough doses to stay open, the Spokane, Ridgefield and Kennewick locations will not open until Tuesday, provided enough doses arrive by Monday, the state said.

The temporary shortages have also impacted efforts on the county level in some areas. In King County, all appointments at the Kent and Auburn vaccination sites were rescheduled through at least Monday.

As the delayed doses arrive, along with a higher allotment scheduled this week, officials expect to make up some ground. However, the state is still working to catch up on second doses, and appointments for initial doses may be scarce for at least another week.

Here are the shipments the state expects through the first week of March:

• This week: 263,570 total doses (146,110 first doses, 117,460 second doses)
• Week of Feb. 28: 269,270 total doses (146,110 first doses, 123,160 second doses)
• Week of March 7: 292,220 total doses (146,110 first doses, 146,110 second doses)

Learn more about vaccination efforts in Washington and check your eligibility status via the state Department of Health.