Washington Teachers Now Eligible For Coronavirus Vaccines

OLYMPIA, WA — All Washington teachers now qualify for coronavirus vaccines, following a new directive from President Joe Biden, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday. In a televised address, Biden promised enough vaccines for all adults by the end of May and pushed states to prioritize teachers for vaccines sooner than later.

"DOH is working quickly to get clarity from the Biden Administration to ensure roll-out in our state will result in ample vaccine supply through various providers and equitable access for education and childcare workers. Vaccine supply will likely primarily be delivered through the federal pharmacy program, and the directive indicates all vaccine providers should prioritize these workers."

Previously, Washington's vaccine roadmap included eligibility for educators in high-risk groups in the second tier of Phase 1B, expected to begin in the spring. Wider access for all teachers and school staffers was further down the list. Teachers' unions, state lawmakers and some district leaders had pushed the state to include teachers more broadly in earlier phases, especially as more schools are encouraged to resume in-person instruction.

According to Chris Reykdal, the state Superintendent of Public Instruction, about 36 percent of Washington's students are already receiving some level of in-person learning.

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In his speech Tuesday, President Biden urged states to get at least one dose to all educators by the end of the month to help facilitate safe school reopenings. The Associated Press reports Washington was among approximately 20 states not already prioritizing shots for teachers.

"The good news is that schools will be able to open and we are pleased that teachers will be back in the classroom very soon," Inslee said. "This should give educators more confidence to return to in-person learning and that it can be done with the safety protocols that are being used by 1,400 other schools in our state right now."

Earlier in the day, the governor visited a Bellevue elementary school to get a first-hand look at health and safety practices inside the classroom.

Inslee said other changes to vaccine prioritization would be announced soon, including more access for essential workers in congregate settings, farmworkers, bus drivers, corrections workers and others.

"We will continue our progress in getting every Washingtonian vaccinated," Inslee said. "I am grateful for the partnership of the federal government and their efforts to help move educators up in the prioritization."