First Coronavirus Vaccine Shipments Expected In Washington Monday

OLYMPIA, WA — The first doses of coronavirus vaccine should arrive in Washington by Monday, with immunizations beginning as early as Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced over the weekend.

The first vaccine approved for use in the United States has cleared its final hurdles, securing approval from the Food and Drug Administration on Friday, followed by greenlights from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

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"I am pleased that the Western States Workgroup gave their unanimous recommendation to the vaccine last night and encourages immediate use of the vaccine in our states," Inslee said Sunday. "It cannot come soon enough — with Washington closing in on 200,000 total COVID cases and approaching 3,000 deaths — this help is much needed to prevent further infection, hospitalization and loss of life."

Last week, the state Department of Health said it was on track to receive 62,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in initial shipments and 222,000 by the end of December. Another vaccine, engineered by Moderna, promises another 180,000 vaccines in the Evergreen State before the end of the year, pending final approval. Both vaccines require two doses to reach maximum effectiveness.

Under state and federal guidelines, the first group to receive the vaccine in Washington include frontline health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. Michele Roberts, Washington's lead vaccine planner, said the state hoped to have the priority group vaccinated by mid-January, but immunizing an adequate level of the general population is likely to take several months.

A firm timeline for the next two phases, called 1B and 1C, is still being worked out.

Dr. John Dunn, a member of the western states workgroup, said the independent review's findings should bolster confidence in the vaccine's safety.

"After looking at all of the available data, our workgroup unanimously agreed that, at this time, the benefits of this vaccine greatly exceed any theoretical risks," Dunn said. "I personally am reassured by the safety profile and look forward to being vaccinated as soon as I am eligible."

With months to go before a sufficient percentage of the public is immunized, Inslee said adhering to public health guidance will remain essential in the months ahead.

"This doesn't mean we are out of the woods yet," Inslee said. "We can't let up on masking, physical distancing and restrictions on indoor activities. We must keep up the fight a little longer, and I know we will get through this together."

Inslee's statement was echoed by Dr. Jeff Duchin, the King County health officer, who said such measures would likely be necessary through the spring months.