Coronavirus Vaccinations Begin At Washington Nursing Homes

KIRKLAND, WA — Vaccinations began Monday at the site of the first deadly coronavirus outbreak in the United States, where COVID-19 claimed the lives of more than 40 people earlier this year.

The Life Care Center of Kirkland was among the first nursing homes in Washington to receive vaccinations through a federal partnership with pharmacies that began this week. According to the Seattle Times, 95 percent of Life Care's residents and 87 percent of its employees received their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine Monday.

At long-term care facilities, where residents fall into the highest risk bracket for COVID-19 complications, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will assist in immunizing those at more than 4,000 sites across Washington. According to state data, more than half of Washington's 3,180 coronavirus deaths to date were linked to long-term care facilities.

Under updated federal estimates, state health officials expect to receive more than 330,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines before the end of the year and aims to complete the first phase by the end of January. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, separated by a few weeks, to reach maximum effectiveness.

Last week, health officials said the winter holidays would slow deliveries leading into 2021 but were hopeful for a more consistent delivery schedule beginning after New Year's Day.

Right now, eligibility is limited to frontline workers in health care settings, high-risk first responders, and residents of staff of long-term care facilities. A final framework for the next vaccination phases is expected in the coming days.

Learn more about Washington's coronavirus vaccine prioritization plans on the state coronavirus website.

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