Washington Launches New Vaccination Initiative To Boost Rates

Seattle WA

20 July, 2021

6:29 PM

Description

OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee and state Secretary of Health Umair Shah are encouraging health care providers across the state to reach out to their patients about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. While Washington has met its goal to reach 70 percent of residents 16 and older with at least one dose, millions remain unprotected, and immunization rates vary greatly between counties. As the delta variant continues to take hold across the nation, presenting an even greater risk of infection for unvaccinated people, Washington's new "Power of Providers" initiative aims to reach more people directly who may still be hesitant to get a shot. "As a trusted source of health information, providers can play an essential role in educating patients and advocating for vaccination," Shah said. "We know their help will make a difference as we continue working to reach more than three million people in our state who are not yet protected by the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine, especially in areas and groups of people at high risk because of lower vaccination rates." The new partnership asks health care providers to take four steps with each of their patients: SEEK. Proactively reach out to their patients or clients to find out if they have received COVID-19 vaccination and invite them to do so, if they have not.ASK/EDUCATE. Ask patients at every visit if they are vaccinated or check their immunization records. If the patient is not vaccinated, provide information and education on the COVID-19 vaccine, recommend it and offer it.VACCINATE. If the patient is interested, provide vaccination right then or give them a referral to a COVID-19 vaccine location using Vaccine Locator or by calling 833-VAX-HELP.EMPOWER. Empower vaccinated patients to share their vaccination status with friends, family and others they know. Order free stickers and buttons from DOH to give to vaccinated patients. Empower staff to talk with patients and people in their own lives about the importance of vaccines and their vaccination status.Learn more about Washington's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts on the Department of Health website.