GS Labs settlement provides $1M in restitution for Washingtonians regarding COVID-19 testing

Washingtonians will receive nearly $1 million in restitution through a bipartisan multistate settlement with GS Labs resolving claims that the company, which ran COVID-19 testing sites, overcharged patients and failed to deliver timely test results.

The 18-state coalition, co-led by Washington, investigated a number of problems with GS Labs’ nationwide testing practices from 2020 through 2022, including that: 

• GS Labs intentionally advertised inflated “cash prices” for COVID-19 tests, sometimes as high as $380 per test or nearly $1,000 for multi-panel tests, that were used to justify overcharging patients with insurance coverage. And while GS Labs offered a “discount” from these “cash prices” to actual cash-paying patients, almost 30,000 patients still paid much more than market rate for their COVID-19 tests.
• For hundreds of thousands of patients, GS Labs guaranteed test results within three days and failed to deliver on its promise, sometimes taking a week or longer to get test results to patients.
• Despite advertising that patients with insurance would have no out-of-pocket costs, the company charged administrative fees as high as $49 per test to about 70,000 patients.

“During the height of the pandemic, GS Labs unfairly profited off of Washingtonians just trying to get tested for COVID-19,” Attorney General Nick Brown said.

“This is another great example of how our office vigorously enforces Washington’s consumer protection laws to protect people from deceptive business practices.”

Under the terms of today’s settlement, GS Labs will pay a total of $3.6 million in restitution to patients in the 18 plaintiff states. That includes $1.8 million for cash-paying patients who were overcharged for tests, $1.75 million for patients who were charged administrative fees, and about $34,000 for cash-paying patients who did not receive test results within three days.

In Washington, more than $987,000 will be available to compensate state residents who were harmed by the company’s testing practices. More than 11,000 people in Washington are expected to qualify for restitution, in amounts ranging from $5 for people who were improperly charged administrative fees to $200 for people who paid for a COVID test out of pocket.

Eligibility

The settlement creates an online restitution mechanism that will be funded and administered by GS Labs, with oversight by the multistate coalition. Eligible consumers include out-of-pocket paying consumers who paid more than the market rate for testing, consumers who paid for test results that were not delivered within the advertised turn-around time, and consumers who paid administrative fees to GS Labs.

To determine one’s eligibility and, if applicable, to receive a restitution payment, consumers must complete a brief verification process, which is available here

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No cost vaccines available at local clinics

People who are uninsured can get no-cost vaccines at participating pharmacies and healthcare providers. 

Visit http://kingcounty.gov/findaclinic for more information.

Uninsured adults can get no cost vaccines only at two locations in Lake City.

Children under 18 can get no cost vaccines at our major clinics: UW Shoreline (Aurora Village); ICHS; Swedish Richmond Beach Primary Care; the Everett Clinic Shoreline; Evergreen Primary Care Kenmore; Eastside Natural Medicine Kenmore.

Check to be sure they have the vaccine available before you go to the clinic.

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Keeping up with COVID vaccine recommendations

Dr. Eric Chow, Public Health

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will likely look different this fall, but some fundamental truths about COVID-19 remain unchanged.

Public Health Insider spoke with Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization for Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Trying to keep up with the news about COVID vaccine recommendations right now is a bit like chasing a moving target. 

What makes this year different from previous ones?

Dr. Eric Chow: You’re not alone if you’re feeling confused. As a parent of two young children, I’ve been eagerly waiting to find out whether my kids will have access to COVID shots this fall.

In a typical year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves COVID-19 vaccines for use. A few weeks later, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) votes on who should get the vaccine, typically at their June meeting. This all makes it possible for your local pharmacy or doctor’s office to start giving shots in the fall.

But this year, the process has been upended. 

Just this week, the FDA approved updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccine but put limits on who can receive them. The ACIP plans to meet in mid-September to make recommendations about who should receive the updated COVID vaccine.

Various U.S. medical societies like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued their own data-informed recommendations, which continue to emphasize that COVID vaccines work and are safe. 

These recommendations may influence what insurance companies and employers cover. Ultimately, COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, insurance coverage, and access may vary by state.  
Which populations did the FDA approve for vaccination, and what does this mean for access to vaccine?

The FDA approved updated versions of the COVID vaccine only for people ages 65 and older and people who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk. That’s a much narrower focus than in previous years when vaccination was recommended for all people age 6 months and older.

We’re carefully reviewing the implications of this FDA development. I’m deeply concerned that these additional limits will make it more challenging for people who want to protect themselves to access the vaccine.

Along with our partners at the Washington Department of Health (DOH), our goal remains the same: to ensure that vaccine policy, including COVID vaccine recommendations, is guided by the best available science and supports the health and safety of everyone in our community.

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COVID vaccine recommendation from Public Health

Q: What’s Public Health’s COVID vaccine recommendation, and what’s the rationale?

A: Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization for Public Health – Seattle & King County:

"In alignment with the Department of Health (DOH), we continue to emphasize that COVID vaccines are safe and they continue to prevent severe illness and reduce the risk of long COVID. 

"Currently, we recommend COVID vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older, including pregnant people. COVID remains a real health concern, especially for those who are older or have underlying health conditions that put them at high risk.

"I’m also very concerned about unvaccinated people, including babies who haven’t yet had an opportunity to be vaccinated. We’ve come a long way since the height of the pandemic, in large part because we have greater community immunity from vaccinations and previous infections. But for people without immune protection, the risk of severe illness remains high.

"It’s been almost five years since COVID vaccines first became available. That’s five years of observing, learning, and refining, built on decades of research beforehand. COVID vaccines remain our best protection against severe illness and long COVID."

Read the rest of the interview with Dr. Chow

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Free COVID tests

Moo Deng is ready for the holidays - are you? Don't let COVID spoil your family gatherings. 

Get 4 free COVID test kits mailed to your door by signing up at CovidTests.gov.

The kits will ship as early as next week, and detect current virus strains. 

Tell your friends and family too!

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How to order free COVID test kits from the federal government and avoid the scammers

By Eunice Kim

Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

The federal government is once again offering free COVID test kits. You can order up to four kits per household at COVIDTests.gov. All for free.

Shipping is free, too. Just give a name and shipping address. Sharing your email is optional if you’d like to get confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service. 

Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer. You don’t need to give financial information or pay anything to get these free tests, and nobody can promise you special access or extra tests. If they do, they’re scammers.

One thing to know: the expiration date for many kits has changed. Before you throw away a kit because the expiration date on the package has passed, go to the FDA’s website to see if that kit’s expiration date has been extended.

To avoid scammers impersonating the federal government:

• Don't click links in unexpected emails or text messages, no matter how real they look.

Start at COVIDTests.gov to order your free test kits. When you click to order, you'll go to special.usps.com/testkits. The test kits and shipping are free.

Don't give out your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to "help" you order free test kits.

If you spot a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Fight off the virus this Fall with a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine

The 2024-2025 Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 Vaccine at ICHS Shoreline Clinic pharmacy.

By Theo Bickel

It’s been over four years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And since then, the virus has changed substantially. “That’s why our ability to fight off the virus needs to change, too,” says Lisa DiFedele, MPH, Infection Prevention and Control Administrator at International Community Health Services (ICHS).

ICHS pharmacies are now offering the 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine on a walk-in basis for members of the public ages 12 and older. You do not need to be an ICHS patient to receive your vaccine at ICHS.

Many may ask why is the new vaccine necessary?

“Individuals are still getting very, very sick,” says DiFedele. “People are going to hospitals, and having very severe outcomes. Getting vaccinated offers additional protection against the virus as it’s circulating now.”

Just because you’ve been sick with COVID in the past, doesn’t mean you’ll be protected against the COVID virus that is circulating now.

“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen MD, MPH. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself, your family, and our community.

The most up to date guidance for being fully vaccinated:

• Adults and children age 5 years and older: 1 dose of a 2024–­2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Regardless of the number of vaccines you’ve already received.
• Children younger than 5 years and have already received a vaccine in the past three years: Speak with your child’s doctor. They 1 or 2 doses of the 2024–­2025 mRNA vaccine from the same brand given for initial vaccination.
• For children younger than 5 years that have not received a COVID-19 vaccine: 2 doses of 2024–­2025 Moderna or 3 doses of 2024–­2025 Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech).
• If you are immunocompromised, speak with your doctor about what is best for you. You may recommended to have additional doses are based on age and vaccination history.

 ICHS’ friendly pharmacists offer vaccinations in a nearby, private immunization room.

How do I get the vaccine with ICHS?

ICHS clinic pharmacies are administering the 2024-2025 Pfizer (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents and adults (ages 12 and older) on a walk-in basis. You do not need to be an ICHS patient to walk in for a vaccine.

• Shoreline · 9am-4pm Monday-Friday
• Appointments are not required. Please bring your photo ID and insurance card.

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. If you have insurance, you can always call your insurance company to see if you're covered. If you do NOT have insurance, you must pay out-of-pocket for the cost of the vaccines.

ICHS Patients may call ICHS at 206-788-3700 for vaccinations for children 11 years and younger.

ICHS Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic is located at 16549 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. A large parking lot is available. The clinic pharmacy is located on the first floor of the clinic.

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UW Trial seeks people with long COVID cognitive symptoms

UW Medicine is an enrollment site for a national clinical trial studying potential therapies for brain fog and other after effects of long COVID. 

UW Medicine clinical scientists will help evaluate therapies for long COVID as part of the RECOVER Initiative clinical trials series directed by the National Institutes of Health.

RECOVER, which stands for Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery, encompasses several studies nationwide to assess several potential therapies. These include drugs, biologics, medical devices and other approaches.

The Seattle site is enrolling potential participants for one such trial, RECOVER-NEURO. It will examine interventions for brain fog, memory lapses, difficulty with attention and other cognitive problems that persistently trouble some people who have had COVID. 

If you are interested to enroll in RECOVER-NEURO, please email uwrecoverstudy@uw.edu.

More details here

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UW Med: COVID-19, flu trend upward in New Year but updated COVID vaccine protects against JN 1 variant

Helen Chu, M.D. UW
infectious diseases specialist

UW Medicine hospitals this week were treating 55 inpatients with COVID-19. Infectious-diseases specialist Dr. Helen Chu says transmission of both COVID-19 and flu is trending up in Washington state and will probably peak in the next several weeks.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Washington is among the states with a high rate of respiratory illnesses.

“We have some data from last year when we saw all three viruses [including RSV] circulating, and it's looking like having two infections at the same time is worse in both children and adults,” Chu said.  

“Having COVID and flu simultaneously increases the amount of time you are on the ventilator and increases your risk of death in the hospital.”

She said the updated COVID-19 vaccine introduced in the fall provides protection against JN.1, the newly dominant variant, according to the CDC.

Unfortunately, however, only a minority of Washingtonians are current on their COVID-19 (16.1%) and flu (27.8%) vaccines as of this week.

“It's certainly not too late,” Chu said. “Now would be a good time to get both your flu and your COVID vaccines.”

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Free COVID Test Kits available now

COVID-19 at home tests are available, at no cost to you when you order online. 

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order an additional 4 free at-home tests beginning November 20, 2023. 

If you did not order tests this fall, you may place two orders for a total of 8 tests. 

Make sure you and your loved ones are heading into winter ready to test if needed.

To request your tests visit COVID.gov/tests

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ICHS to host High-Capacity COVID-19 Vaccine clinics for Shoreline Residents on November 14, 2023

International Community Health Services (ICHS) will host a high-capacity COVID-19 vaccine clinic in November that will be open to the general public. 

These events will be walk-in only, with no appointment required. All individuals age 12 and older are eligible to join.

• Tuesday November 14, 2023 from 9:00am to 4:00pm (closed between 1:00pm to 2:00pm) at ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic

The clinic will offer the updated 2023-2024 COMIRNATY (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccines that are designed to specifically target the COVID variants circulating now.

“Vital to keep our families healthy”

ICHS encourages everyone to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself, your family, and our community.

"As medical providers and parents, we know that keeping up to date on immunizations are vital to keep our families healthy," said Lakshimi Deepa Yerram, ICHS Chief Medical Officer. "In fact, vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical intervention."

Individuals should bring their photo ID and their insurance information. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. If you have insurance, you can call your insurance company to see if you're covered. If you do not have insurance, you must pay out-of-pocket for the cost of the vaccine.

Parents must be present with their children (age 17 and under).

ICHS’ Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic is located at 16549 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133. Walk-ins should visit the third floor of the clinic. The clinic is accessible off Aurora with a large parking lot and near bus lines.

Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccines during Weekdays

ICHS clinic pharmacies are also administering updated COVID-19 vaccines to individuals age 12 and older on a walk-in basis at the Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.

You do not need to be an ICHS patient to receive your COVID-19 vaccine at ICHS pharmacies.

Learn more about ICHS’ walk-in vaccines Learn more about ICHS’ walk-in vaccines

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UW Med: COVID-19 vaccination still crucial for older adults

Thuan Ong, MD MPH
UW Med

COVID-19 is still a significant threat for older adults, says data from a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

Collected between January and August of this year, the data show that U.S. adults 65 and older accounted for 62.9% of all hospitalizations related to COVID-19, and that just 23.5% of people in that age group had received the bivalent vaccine introduced last fall.

The group has accounted for 87.9% of in-hospital deaths tied to the virus over the eight-month span.

“COVID-19 has a huge impact on older communities. It's contributing to a lot of morbidity and mortality,” said Dr. Thuan Ong, an associate professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. 

“Very similar to how RSV or influenza still impacts older adults and certain populations who are immunocompromised, COVID-19 should be considered in a similar fashion.”

Ong often works in long-term care facilities and has seen firsthand how “incredibly susceptible” residents can be to viruses. He encourages people to get the new COVID-19 vaccine as prevention, and suggests that a conversation about risk can allay fears if an older friend or loved one expresses concern or hesitation toward vaccines.

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Get four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests mailed to you

Beginning Monday, September 25, 2023 every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.

AND before you throw out "Expired" tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended

Every U.S. household may place an order to receive four free COVID-⁠19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home.

Order Free At-Home Tests

Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-⁠19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs. Please contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low- or no-cost COVID-⁠19 tests provided by the federal government.

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Ending: WA Notify app for COVID-19 and 511 for traffic alerts

Going away May 11, 2023

On May 11, 2023 the state will end the WA Notify program which allowed subscribers to both enter information about their own positive COVID cases and be notified if they had potentially been exposed.

Since its launch in Nov. 2020, approximately 235,000 participants confirmed a positive test result in WA Notify, generating more than 2.5 million anonymous exposure notifications, preventing tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases, and saving lives. 

Washington was one of the first states to implement exposure notification technology and consistently had one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the country, despite also being host to the earliest known domestic case of the virus.

The State Dept of Health (DOH) says that "As the Public Health Emergency ends, high levels of vaccination, combined with widespread population immunity and available treatments, have significantly reduced the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19. These factors have also contributed to the reduced need for the WA Notify application."

Going away on May 19, 2023

Another notification program ending soon is 511 

Starting Friday, May 19, Washington state travelers will no longer be able to access automated statewide travel information by calling 511.

For the past 20 years, the 511 phone number has provided a way to receive traffic impacts, crash alerts, current and future weather forecasts, mountain pass conditions and ferry information (schedules, fares and wait times) as well as reversible-express lane status.

So, why is 511 going away? Simply put, new technology has led to a dramatic decrease in the number of people using the service.

The 511 phone system is also expensive to operate, costing more than $150,000 a year in hard costs and requiring many staff hours to continually update travel information in the increasingly antiquated technology and to maintain signs about the program.

There are other ways to get travel information

• online tools, including the mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts
• online traveler information for traffic, weather, ferry schedules and a real-time travel map
• social media accounts, such as our several Twitter accounts and Facebook
• Radio stations 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts

If you don’t have internet or smart phone access

Contact WSDOT at the numbers below (you may also want to program some of these numbers into your phone or otherwise save them for easy reference):

• Washington State Ferries’ information phone number 888-808-7977
• Tolling information (Good To Go!) 866-936-8246
• Amtrak Cascades 800-872-7245
• Neighboring states 511 information
• Oregon 503-588-2941
• Idaho 888-432-7623
• Local weather
• Seattle 206-526-6087
• Spokane 509-244-5992
• Our Offices

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Small (and large!) gestures provide endless enjoyment - donations to Senior Center during the pandemic

By Theresa LaCroix, Executive Director

Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center

It seems so long ago that we were completely shut in from our families, neighbors and friends due to the high level of risk associated with the COVID pandemic. 

While the world hunkered down, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center was in full swing, providing what is termed Direct Emergency Services. This included services such daily meals home delivered, groceries donated to those housebound (lack of bus service), and a host of additional tasks as needed.

A serious concern that quickly became apparent to us was the negative effects of Social Isolation that we were all experiencing. For seniors who no longer have family members in the community, or they have passed away due to age, life became very mundane and lonely.

We are very appreciative to those who donated magazines and puzzles for us to share with those most isolated.

Ms GM Wiegand donated 1,000 disks of movies and TV shows to the Senior Center
Photo by Johanna Polit

One individual who truly made a difference was Shoreline resident Ms GM Wiegand, as she, along with her daughter, gathered her collection of DVD discs, catalogued each one and delivered them to the senior center. 

In all, we received 476 DVDs, which provided a wide variety of interests from collections of Turner Classics and TV series such as Lucille Ball, to current day movies/TV series such as Sex in the City, and Planet Earth. Our library was filled with artists such as Sidney Poitier, Frank Sinatra, Robert DeNiro, Robert Redford, Gene Kelly, Bette Midler, Sissy Spacek and many more that we all know and love.

In addition there were boxed sets of television series, including the entire Star Trek universe, bringing the total donation to over a thousand disks.

Each week, we were able to choose 3-4 videos and deliver them to the homes of isolated seniors, providing them some lighthearted entertainment for the week. 

The following week, we would exchange them for new videos, always sending a variety of interests. As we have moved past the pandemic, we continue to loan out the videos, providing affordable free entertainment for those on budgets.

We are most grateful for Ms. Wiegand's donation for the laughter, joy, tears, and pure enjoyment she brought into our homes.

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Say Yes! COVID free test criteria changing May 11, 2023

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is announcing its free at-home testing program Say Yes! COVID Test (SYCT) is ending May 11, 2023. 

Since its launch in January 2022, the program has:

• Processed more than 3 million individual orders for at-home test kits.
• Distributed more than 15 million individual tests.
• Served nearly 1 million households throughout Washington state.

Washingtonians may continue ordering free COVID-19 home test kits from the Say Yes! COVID Test website. 

However, as the COVID-19 pandemic moves into a state of recovery, starting March 13 eligibility will change to focus on Washington communities that are most in need. 

Criteria will be based on public health measures that help identify communities with more disadvantaged households. 

Visit the SYCT website to see if you are eligible to place a single monthly order for five test kits, which are delivered to the requester’s home or work address free of charge. 

Federally supplied free at-home tests remain available to order for all while supplies last. Insurers are still required to cover the cost of eight at home tests per covered member per month until the end of the federal public health emergency on May 11.

“Thanks to the incredible partnership between the DOH Say Yes! COVID Test team and our partners, as well as close collaborations with the public health and healthcare systems, communities, and individual Washingtonians, our state has achieved one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the country,” said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH. 

“DOH will continue to support Washingtonians to keep their communities healthy and protect the elderly and those with chronic conditions who are most vulnerable to the severe impacts of COVID-19.”

DOH launched SYCT January 2022 in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Care Evolution, Amazon, and a variety of community partners to provide Washingtonians with another way to quickly access free testing for COVID-19.

DOH will continue to collaborate with local health jurisdictions, tribes, and community partners to support equitable access to testing supplies and services through existing services. Visit the DOH COVID-19 landing page for more information and resources, including testing and free telehealth treatment options.

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DHS announces extension of REAL ID full enforcement deadline

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. 

Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. 

As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.

“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. 

“This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”

The extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. REAL ID progress over the past two years has been significantly hindered by state driver’s licensing agencies having to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. 

Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only.

Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. 

Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

--Paine Field Buzz newsletter

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Public Health Seattle-King County: wear masks at indoor gatherings and get vaccinated

Public Health - Seattle-King
Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin

Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19.

 

As health officers and health care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.

We also urge everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on your vaccinations. 

Vaccinations are the most important way to protect against severe influenza and COVID-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. 

Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against these diseases and those who are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster should get it now.

For people who develop symptoms, and for parents of young children, it’s important to know when to contact your physician or healthcare provider for advice or an evaluation.

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Omicron-targeted COVID-19 boosters now authorized for children ages 6 months and older

Photo courtesy DOH

Both Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's bivalent vaccines have received authorization

OLYMPIA  – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and other healthcare providers will soon begin offering omicron variant-targeted bivalent booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 6 months and older. 

This follows guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Children 6 months through 5 years of age who received the original (monovalent) two-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series are now eligible to receive a booster of the updated (bivalent) Moderna COVID-19 vaccine two months after their last dose.
• Children 6 months through 4 years of age who have not started or completed their three-dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine series will now receive the updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as the third dose following two doses of the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• Children 6 months through 4 years of age who have already completed their three-dose primary series with the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are not eligible for an updated (bivalent) booster dose at this time.

DOH urges all parents and guardians of children ages 6 months and older to prioritize vaccinating their children with the updated booster if eligible, or starting the COVID-19 vaccine primary series if they are yet to begin. 

Washington state is currently seeing record pediatric hospitalizations from respiratory viruses and vaccines add an extra level of protection from severe illness. 

Additionally, flu vaccines are available to everyone 6 months and older at provider offices and pharmacies across the state. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given at the same time.

Pediatric-focused COVID-19 boosters are expected to start arriving in provider offices the week of December 12. To make a vaccine or booster appointment, visit VaccinateWA.org, or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 833-VAX-HELP. 

Language assistance is available. If you have questions, visit DOH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions webpage or talk to a trusted healthcare provider.

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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines recommended for all 6 months and older

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) urges the public to get an influenza (flu) vaccine in addition to a COVID-19 booster. 

Flu activity has been reduced in recent years due to COVID-19 precautions, but the state experienced a late spring flu wave as those precautions relaxed.

“Flu can be unpredictable and sometimes severe,” said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, Chief Science Officer. 

“To protect your family’s health, getting vaccinated against influenza with a flu shot or nasal spray vaccine should be part of the fall routine for everyone 6 months and older. 

"It’s also the perfect time to get up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters too.”

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