Order allows access to COVID-19 vaccine without prescription

A standing order issued by the Washington State Department of Health will ensure Washington residents can easily access the COVID-19 vaccine this year. The order, which went into effect Sept. 4, allows most residents in Washington to receive the vaccine directly at pharmacies or health care clinics without a prescription, according to a news release from the health department. The order reaffirms the health department’s guidance that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death. “COVID-19 vaccines are well-researched, well-tested, and have saved millions of lives around the world,” State Health Officer Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett said in the news release. “We want to ensure all Washington residents have access to the protection these vaccines provide based on the best available science.” Health care systems across Clark County are preparing to roll out the updated vaccine. Kaiser Permanente said it began offering the new COVID-19 vaccine to members 6 months and older Monday at no cost. “Kaiser Permanente’s administration of the COVID-19 vaccine is based on the latest scientific evidence and clinical guidance from our physician experts and many other sources, including leading medical societies,” the health system wrote in an email to The Columbian. “Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to help protect against severe illness.” Kaiser also is offering flu vaccinations. Members can find more information at kp.org/covidvaccine and kp.org/flu. No change at Vancouver Clinic Vancouver Clinic has not changed its policy on flu or COVID-19 vaccines. “We encourage all patients who want a vaccine to get a vaccine. Vaccines remain one of the safest, most effective tools we have to keep people healthy,” Vancouver Clinic spokeswoman Kelly Love wrote in an email. At Vancouver Clinic, flu vaccines for adults 18 and older as well as children ages 6 months to 18 years are now available. COVID-19 vaccines for adults will be available beginning the week of Sept. 23. The clinic will update patients once children’s doses arrive, Love said. Patients in Washington do not need a prescription for the COVID-19 vaccine due to the department of health’s standing order, but patients in Oregon still do, Love said. She said Vancouver Clinic is closely monitoring guidance from the state health department, the West Coast Health Alliance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Medical Association. “We believe that clinicians remain patients’ most trusted source for health recommendations grounded in peer-reviewed evidence and real-world outcomes,” Vancouver Clinic Chief Medical Officer Alfred Seekamp said. “Vaccines reduce the risk of infection, reduce the disease severity, reduce hospitalizations and reduce community transmission. At Vancouver Clinic, we’ll continue to follow the data and put patient safety first.” PeaceHealth, meanwhile, is directing patients who want the updated COVID-19 vaccine to reach out to their pharmacy of choice. “Some pharmacies in other states are requiring a prescription or proof of having certain underlying conditions to receive the vaccine,” PeaceHealth spokesman Jim Murez said. “The pharmacies do have to follow the standing order process issued by each state, which includes guidance on prescribing and administering the vaccine.” Murez said patients should check with their health plan to confirm whether the new vaccine is covered by insurance or if out-of-pocket costs apply. The COVID-19 vaccine remains covered by most private insurers, Apple Health, and Washington’s Adult Vaccine and Childhood Vaccine Programs, according to the state health department. Chrissy Booker: 360-735-4613; chrissy.booker@columbian.com About the project: This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation that is funded by community member donations. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.

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