New partnerships with Virginia Mason and Othello Pharmacy expand vaccination opportunities for Seattle communities
Seattle – As the Omicron variant continues to drive rising COVID-19 case numbers and increased pandemic uncertainty, today Mayor Bruce Harrell announced expanded health care partnerships and new opportunities for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for Seattle residents, including a new Virginia Mason clinic and community partner pop-up vaccination opportunities through Othello Pharmacy.
“In the first week of my administration, I am making clear that Seattle will continue to tackle this pandemic by following the science. We know what works – vaccines, testing, masks, and social distancing – and that we can only get through this if we work together as One Seattle,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “My administration is working urgently and aggressively to expand public-private partnerships and leverage all available resources to ensure healthy, thriving communities. Thanks to Virginia Mason and Othello Pharmacy, we are working to expand access to vaccine distribution swiftly with the help of trusted community partners and leaders.”
The new Virginia Mason clinic will open Monday, January 10, 2022 and operate Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The clinic will provide Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, pediatric vaccines, and boosters, and have capacity for up to 1,000 doses per day.
The City’s Rainier Beach and West Seattle clinics will continue to provide Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, pediatric vaccines, and boosters through January 2022, with capacity for up to 700 doses per day at Rainier Beach and 800 per day at West Seattle. The Rainier Beach clinic operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. The West Seattle clinic will reopen January 7 and operate Fridays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The City of Seattle will also be expanding mobile vaccination capacity through community partner pop-ups with Othello Pharmacy to ensure an equitable vaccine distribution, pop-ups will have initial vaccinations, booster doses, and pediatric doses available. This community-based work will focus efforts on reaching the least vaccinated and vulnerable communities in Seattle. Disparities in vaccination rates between white residents and residents of color continue to be a public health equity challenge and are even more pronounced among children ages 5-11.
In Seattle, nearly 90% of residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine through their healthcare provider, government and community partners, or a City of Seattle clinic. Nearly 52% of eligible residents have received a booster dose. Over 1.3 million tests have been administered at City of Seattle, University of Washington, and Curative sites since their launch in 2020 and approximately 60% of all Seattle residents have used the test sites at least once.
Testing sites include fixed locations with UW Medicine in Aurora, SODO, Rainier Beach, and West Seattle, as well as seven Curative kiosks placed throughout the City. Appointments are encouraged at all locations and sites. For more on any of the sites, including UW Medicine, please visit: www.seattle.gov/covid-19-testing.
To learn more about vaccines, visit the City’s vaccination website at www.seattle.gov/vaccine. The site contains vaccination information in seven languages, and in-language assistance is also available over the phone. Even as more residents get vaccinated, public health measures like social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing hands remain critical. Please continue to follow all public health guidance, and visit this website from Public Health – Seattle & King County for more information.
WHAT HEALTH CARE LEADERS ARE SAYING ABOUT NEW VACCINATION RESOURCES
Dennis Worsham, Interim Director, Public Health – Seattle & King County
“Even though no one wanted to start the new year with record-high case counts, it’s heartening to know that vaccines are helping to blunt the impact of the Omicron wave. We know the demand for vaccination and boosters has been extremely high. We are doing everything possible to assure that every person who wants a vaccine or a booster can access them. We appreciate the continued dedication and leadership from the City of Seattle, and from Mayor Bruce Harrell, in ensuring access to vaccines for all of Seattle residents.”
Chris Baliga, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
“The Omicron variant is driving a surge in cases across our region and the world. Health care partnerships such as this one are critical to expanding access to the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone five years old and older and the COVID-19 booster to adults 16 years old and older (soon to be 12 years and older). While it’s still possible to contract the virus regardless of vaccination status, vaccinated individuals are significantly less likely to develop serious illness or require hospitalization. It’s not too late to take this important step in protecting yourself and those around you.”
Dr. Ahmed Ali, CEO and Founder of Othello Pharmacy “The Othello Station Pharmacy serves predominantly BIPOC population and has been forefront of the COVID-19 vaccination efforts, ensuring that all our families have access to the vaccines. In partnership with the City of Seattle, we’re continuing our efforts to ensure that families are able to not only access these lifesaving vaccinations, but more importantly, ensuring that they can relate to healthcare providers (pharmacists, nurses, etc.) from diverse cultural backgrounds. Othello Station Pharmacy is the only independently, Black-owned pharmacy in Seattle.”