Inslee Talks Vaccine Distribution, Mass Vaccination Sites

Governor Jay Inslee gave an update on the state's vaccination distribution efforts Tuesday.

The state is receiving about 100,000 doses of vaccine each week. However vaccine delivery is still being outpaced by doses administered. Over the last week, the state has increased its vaccinations per day by about 10,000 to 24,000 per day.

Inslee said officials with the Biden Administration's vaccine team told him and other governors that the states could expect a 16% increase in its federal allotment.

"On top of that, they will also deliver to us the special syringes that are used to coax an additional dose out of every vial of the Pfizer product." detailed Inslee, "So instead of having five doses a vial we'll have six. We'll have an additional 20% of the Pfizer product."

About 57% of the doses delivered to the state have been administered. That percentage is expected to increase as data reporting improves.

Friday, Inslee and his wife Trudi joined the over 500,000 Washingtonians who have received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Inslee also took some time to answer questions regarding the state's new mass vaccination sites. The Governor said that, like in any emergency, a significant part of the rescue process is carried out by individuals who care.

"This is a moment in time where all of us can step and and help people, particularly the people who might be challenged when it comes to technology." implored Inslee, "I encourage people to find a way to help other folks, and they're doing it all over the state of Washington. It's really impressive to me how fast communities have come together to set up these distribution sites."

Inslee added that the state is doing the best it can as standing up mass vaccination sites like the Town Toyota Center presents a considerable logistical hurdle, combining elements like public notice, the appointment process, security, refrigeration, and preparing the site itself. The Governor expects things to go more smoothly once communities understand the process.

Currently, about 45% of all the vaccine doses received by the state are going to the mass vaccination sites.