OLYMPIA, Wash. - The state Department of Health has launched a mobile vaccine service in an effort to reach counties with lower COVID-19 vaccination rates and higher case counts.
DOH says it launched the "Care-A-Van" June 1 and plans to focus on the following:
- Counties with higher vaccine gaps by race/ethnicity.
- Communities with a high rank on the Social Vulnerability Index for COVID-19.
- Sectors with recent outbreaks.
- Communities overrepresented in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
- Demographic groups with lower vaccination rates compared to other groups.
- Groups not represented or underrepresented in current DOH data systems that have likely experienced COVID-19 health disparities and vaccine inequities.
- Geographic locations that have not had a visit from the DOH Care-A-Van.
State Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah said Wednesday that 3.3 million people in Washington are fully vaccinated, or 54% of the population. Shah said 62 percent of Washingtonians 16 and older have received at least one dose.
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Gov. Jay Inslee said he plans to reopen the state's economy fully, allowing businesses at full capacity by June 30 - or sooner if the state reaches a 70 percent vaccination rate before then.
To request a visit from a DOH Care-A-Van, submit a form through the Care-A-Van page on the DOH website at least 30 days in advance of the date you are requesting.
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