County Explains Expanded Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine

Contributed Image/CDC

From San Juan County

On Monday, Jan. 18, Governor Inslee and the Washington State Department of Health have opened vaccine eligibility to Phase 1b Tier 1.

San Juan County will begin delivering Phase 1b Tier 1 immunization on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Q: Who is Eligible for 1b – Tier 1?

• Anyone over the age of 65 (This is a last-minute change to the guidance issued previously by the department of health.)
• Those over the age of 50 living in a multigenerational household.
  • There are two categories of people who are eligible under the multigenerational household definition:
    • People who are (a) over the age of 50 AND (b) are not able to live independently who either are receiving long-term care from a paid or unpaid caregiver or are living with someone who works outside the home.
    • People who are over the age of 50 AND are living with and caring for a grandchild.

No one under age 50 is eligible in Phase 1b Tier 1, and no one over age 50 caring for a partner, friend or child is eligible; only those with grandchildren.

The full details on Phase 1b, including definitions for Tiers 2 through 4 are best reviewed here.

Q: Is there a tool to help me know what phase and tier I’m in? 

Yes, the Washington State Department of Health has an online tool that enables individuals to evaluate their phase eligibility and print out or screenshot an approval verification that documents their eligibility. That online tool is at www.findyourphasewa.org.

Q: Is there enough vaccine to immunize everyone in Phase 1b – Tier 2?

Continue reading at www.sanjuanco.com. 

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