Vaccine Eligiblity Expands In WA: Here's Who Qualifies Now

SEATTLE — Another 2 million Washingtonians will be eligible to book coronavirus vaccine appointments on Wednesday, as the state reaches Tier 3 and Tier 4 of Phase 1B. With the latest expansion, roughly 5 million people in Washington will qualify for COVID-19 immunizations across all tiers, leaving an estimated 1.2 million who may not be eligible for another month.

According to the state Department of Health, more than 27 percent of Washington residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, and more than 16 percent are fully vaccinated. The state's most recent reports show an average of 53,778 doses given each day last week.

Washington's two newest tiers drop the age for universal eligibility to 60 years old and add a large portion of essential workers that did not previously qualify.

Tier 3 and Tier 4 adds eligibility for:

• All people with two or more underlying conditions or co-morbidities, ages 16 and older.
• All people 60 years and older.
• People, staff and volunteers working or living congregate living settings, including jails and prisons, group homes for people with disabilities, domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters.
• Most people working in restaurants, manufacturing and construction industries, with some exceptions.

For those who may still be unsure of their status, state health officials have also assembled a detailed list of qualifications for the new categories.

Despite the welcome step forward, state and local health officials caution there may still be difficulty securing appointments in the weeks ahead, as growing demand outpaces relatively static supply levels.

In King County last week, the health officer estimated 430,000 residents would become newly eligible Wednesday. When added to the number of residents in previous groups who still need their first dose, the combined demand nears 1.2 million. At the same time, the county only expects to receive 50,000 first doses this week.

"That would mean we would get one first dose for every eligible 10 residents who have not started vaccination," Dr. Jeff Duchin said. "We're asking [for] everyone's patience and understanding. We're working to get the doses out to the community just as quickly as we can get them from the federal supplies."

State health officials are optimistic for a significant boost in federal shipments beginning sometime in April, but supply constraints are likely to be a factor until that happens.

Update: All Eligible For Vaccines By April 15 In WA: Inslee

Here is Washington's latest outlook for vaccine deliveries statewide:

• Week of March 28: 408,730 total doses (238,050 first doses, 170,680 second doses)
  • This includes 221,130 doses of Pfizer, 144,800 doses of Moderna, and 42,800 doses of Johnson & Johnson.
• Week of April 4: 343,700 total doses (173,020 first doses, 170,680 second doses)
  • This includes 198,900 doses of Pfizer and 144,800 doses of Moderna.
• Week of April 11: 368,270 total doses (173,020 first doses, 195,250 second doses)
  • This includes 223,470 doses of Pfizer and 144,800 doses of Moderna.

While a growing number of states have already extended eligibility to all groups, Washington leaders have not disclosed plans to do so before May 1.

Those eligible for vaccinations under the current and previous tiers can find available appointments using the state's Vaccine Locator tool.