Rep. Kim Schrier Lends A Hand At Kent Vaccination Site

KENT, WA — Rep. Kim Schrier (D-8th District) took on a familiar role Monday, donning a white coat and helping administer doses of coronavirus vaccine inside the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent. Before being elected to the House in 2018, Schrier worked as a pediatrician for nearly two decades at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Issaquah.

Schrier picked up a volunteer shift at the mass vaccination site after touring the facility with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Patty Hayes, director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

"It is a stunning medical achievement that we have three highly effective and safe vaccines to help combat the coronavirus a year after it first showed up in Washington," Schrier said Monday. "As more vaccines come online, it is important to educate people about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and why getting the vaccine will protect not only them, but their family and community."

Schrier also took time to highlight $20 billion in the recently-passed American Rescue Plan earmarked to help improve vaccine education and distribution efforts across the nation.

According to the county executive's office, the Kent site — one of two in South King County — has grown from administering 500 doses a day to more than 2,000. The latest county data show nearly 75 percent of King County residents ages 65 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine, and about a quarter of all King County adults.

Eligibility is set to expand in Washington on Wednesday, and public health officials are hopeful for a significant boost in federal shipments to keep up with growing demand. President Joe Biden has directed all states to open eligibility to all groups no later than May 1.

Learn more about getting vaccinated in Washington on the state Department of Health website.