Washington State Department of Health Changing COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

The State Department of Health is changing the distribution model for COVID-19 vaccines from a population-based model to more of an on demand model.

Governor Jay Inslee said, "We are seeing different demand rates from counties based on various reasons in the county. Obviously we can't send vaccines to counties and have them sit on a shelf."

The Department of Health says each week, providers will continue to order the amount of vaccine they need and DOH will get weekly input from local health jurisdictions on community vaccine priorities.

Lacy Fehrenbach, Deputy Secretary of the COVID-19 said, "Now that nearly 30% of Washingtonians are fully vaccinated, it is time to adjust our approach in support of our goals to vaccinate more Washingtonians as equitably, quickly, and efficiently as possible."

The Department says that they will be able to quickly and equitably reach more people statewide and get vaccine where it’s needed most.