Vaccine resources: Chelan-Douglas Health District cancels vaccination clinics

NCW — More than 60% of people in the state are fully vaccinated with booster doses and pediatric COVID-19 vaccines now becoming available. This page will be updated with the latest information for North Central Washington as it becomes available.

The local vaccination plans and information are changing rapidly so please check back for updates. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more resources and frequently asked questions.

The latest news:

- The Chelan-Douglas Health District will shut down its COVID-19 vaccine clinic in East Wenatchee starting on Jan. 17, located on 110 2nd St., until further notice. Its Leavenworth vaccine clinic on Jan. 15 is also canceled.

- Youth ages 12 to 17 can now receive a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 5 months after completing their primary vaccination series.

- For unvaccinated individuals or those more than six months from their original mRNA dose ore more than two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the state Department of Health recommends quarantining for five days followed by strict mask use if exposed to COVID-19.

- Vaccinated individuals who have received a booster dose do not need to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19, only wear a mask around others for 10 days after exposure, according to the state Department of Health.

- The state Department of Health expanded booster dose eligibility for the Pfizer booster shot to include everyone 16 and older. Everyone 16 and older is recommended to get a booster dose six months after a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine and two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

- The state Department of Health has several ways to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Find a state Department of Health flyer with more information here.

- Vaccines are expected to protect against the severe illness, hospitalization and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson are currently testing the efficacy of their vaccines against the omicron strain, according to a state Department of Health news release.

- The state Department of Health released a new web tool that helps people find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. See it here.

Answering frequently asked questions from readers

The questions on this page will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available. In some cases, officials have not yet released information that could answer specific questions.

Other questions about the vaccine

Do I have to get the same vaccine brand for my booster dose?

People can get a different vaccine for their booster dose than the vaccine originally administered for their primary series.

When should I get my booster dose?

If you got the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you should wait six months or more after your second dose to get the booster.

If you got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, you should get the booster two months after your first dose.

Why are booster doses important?

Booster doses provide continued protection against severe COVID-19 disease. The state Department of Health expanded booster eligibility in Nov. 2021 to include everyone 18 years and older.

Still, the current vaccines may be associated with a drop in protection over time. Booster doses will increase vaccine-induced protection against COVID-19 and help immunity last longer, according to the state Department of Health

If people need booster shots, does that mean the vaccines aren't working?

No, COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. However, public health experts are seeing reduced protection against mild and moderate COVID-19 illness especially among high-risk populations, according to the state Department of Health.

If I don't get a booster dose, am I still fully vaccinated?

People are still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Why should I be concerned about my child getting COVID-19?

New COVID-19 variants are more dangerous and infectious to children than the original strains. The percentage of children hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased 240% in the U.S. in the last few months.

While COVID-19 is often milder in children than adults, children can still get very sick and spread it to friends and family who are immunocompromised or vulnerable in other ways.

Which vaccine brand can my child get?

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the only vaccine authorized for children ages 5 to 17.

Is the vaccine for ages 5-11 the same vaccine for adults?

The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is the same vaccine ingredients but a smaller dose, one-third the size.

Who should I talk to if I have questions about the vaccine?

Talk with your child's pediatrician, another medical provider, a community health worker or find additional info here.