When will I get vaccinated?
The short answer is we don’t have an exact date for most of our community. There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, with more supply anticipated on a weekly basis. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) has developed recommendations to prioritize vaccine distribution. Currently we are focused on vaccinating the Phase 1a population, which includes healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents. Island Hospital is responsible for vaccinating healthcare personnel on Fidalgo Island with the vaccine allotment we receive from Skagit County Public Health and Washington State Department of Health.

Vaccine distribution will be conducted in a phased approach over several months. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as quantities are available. Vaccines will eventually be available through doctors’ offices, pharmacies, hospitals, and other health centers. We will update our website and publish information as more information becomes available.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm695152e2.htm

What type of vaccine will I get?
Currently, two COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA: Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines have a high effectiveness rating with similar side effects to the annual flu shot. They both require two doses, approximately three to four weeks apart. Island Hospital currently has the Moderna vaccine, and we may receive allotments of the Pfizer vaccine in the future.

Is there a cost for the vaccine?
Island Hospital will be charging patient’s insurance an administration fee for the vaccine. No copays will be collected and there will be no additional cost to the patient.

Why should I get vaccinated?
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19 and may also help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do contract COVID-19.

For the latest COVID-19 Vaccine information the Washington State Department of Health and the CDC websites are great resources:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/Vaccine
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

For more information about COVID-19 and updates on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit our coronavirus page (isldev.wpengine.com/coronavirus/).