1 Million Fully Vaccinated In Washington; 3 Million Doses Given

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington crossed two vaccination thresholds last week, as more than 1 million residents became fully vaccinated, and the state surpassed 3 million total doses administered since immunizations began last December.

The state Department of Health celebrated the news Friday, reporting nearly 15 percent of the population — or one in seven people — had received the full course of vaccines. The three millionth dose comes less than three weeks after Washington hit the 2 million mark, and the state continues to hit its daily goal of 45,000 doses.

"These milestones showcase the hard work and commitment to vaccination happening across our state," said Dr. Umair Shah, state Secretary of Health. "Vaccination is a critical tool we need to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end. This is a community effort, and every single Washingtonian who receives a vaccine is helping us get closer to crossing the finish line."

On Wednesday, March 31, Washington will open the third and fourth tiers of Phase 1B, immediately adding an estimated 2 million residents to the queue. Notable changes include universal eligibility for people 60 and older and for those 16 and older with two or more underlying health conditions.

The expansion also allows more high-risk critical workers in congregate settings to seek vaccines, including employees in the restaurant, food service, construction and manufacturing industries. People, staff and volunteers living or working in congregate living settings, including correctional facilities and homeless shelters, will also qualify for shots.

Washington plans to open eligibility to all residents ages 16 and above by May 1, following a federal directive.

However, health officials caution that demand will significantly outpace supply for at least the next few weeks, with federal delivery forecasts landing well below the number of requested doses through at least the week of April 11. The federal government has promised states a significant boost in shipments beginning sometime next month, which could boost Washington's weekly allocations to around 600,000 doses.

Here is the three-week delivery forecast for Washington:

• 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.

Washingtonians can use the state's new Vaccine Locator tool to find appointments or contact 1-800-525-0127 for assistance. State officials said this week the online tool had already been used by more than 400,000 people. Residents can also access and print their immunization records using the state's online system.