Washington state’s health department is trying to straighten out confusion about who can or should get a Covid vaccine — and has given legal heft to their recommendation. Thanks to a standing order signed by the state health officer Thursday, anyone in the state can get the vaccine without consulting their doctor.
The standing order means that pharmacists, nurses, and other health care providers can give the Covid vaccine to everyone 6 months or older, including pregnant people, unless there’s a specific, individual reason not to. The agency issued the order in the wake of confusing and sometimes conflicting guidance from the federal government about who’s eligible for the shots.
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The state agency said they continue to recommend that everyone stay up to date with the most recent Covid shot. That’s in line with advice from the major medical associations of pediatricians, family doctors, and OB-GYNs.
A standing order is a prescription from the state health officer that addresses a disease or health threat — such as one that authorizes pharmacists to give Naloxone to anyone who wants it.
This standing order gives legal cover to pharmacists, who might be confused about to whom they’re allowed to give the shot, and it gives all Washington state residents the right to get vaccinated, if they choose to do so.
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The state health agency said people can bring a printed copy of the order to their vaccine appointment at, say, a pharmacy, if they’re worried they could be denied the shot. If they still cannot get vaccinated, they can file a complaint against the provider.
People on state Medicaid, or Apple Health, can get the Covid vaccine for free. For people with private insurance, coverage will depend on their individual health status and insurer, but many insurance companies are expected to continue covering the shots.
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