Washington Prioritizing 2nd Vaccine Doses This Week

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington will focus its vaccination efforts on second doses this week, working to restore the balance between administering initial shots and reaching those who need to complete their full immunization course.

According to the state Department of Health, health care providers requested 170,000 second doses for the week ahead, nearly twice the 92,325 allotted in federal shipments. As a result, the state will tap shipments meant for first doses to help make up the difference.

"The difference is likely due to the fact that some providers in Washington used doses of vaccine that were intended to complete the two dose vaccine series as the initial dose when vaccinating community members earlier in January," officials wrote Friday. "Unfortunately, this now means that a portion of next week's available first dose will need to be used to complete the series for these people."

Another speedbump this week is a delay in vaccine deliveries until Tuesday, due in part to Presidents Day and ongoing weather concerns in Washington and across the United States. Officials said the two issues together will make first dose appointments sparse this week, and some who already have appointments may be asked to reschedule.

The DOH said it is still finalizing exactly how many first doses will be available this week and will prioritize supply for mobile vaccination teams and community vaccination sites. Vaccine providers that still have first doses in inventory will still be able to use them. State health officials said the goal is to return to "normal, balanced" distribution starting the week of Feb. 22.