This is part of a series of updates for the community regarding vaccinations for COVID-19.
“We are eager to vaccinate our community and continue to meet daily with our County Health Jurisdiction as well as State Department of Health to allow us to effectively plan and prepare for additional vaccine efforts,” Erin Wooley, Chief Nursing Officer. “We will continue to provide the latest updates as we receive them and hope to provide clarity to a regularly changing and evolving process, to our community.”
Earlier today WhidbeyHealth was made aware of rumors and misinformation circulating throughout our Island community regarding COVID-19 vaccination Phases and who is currently eligible to register for and receive the vaccine. The misinformation was found on various Next Door (social media) groups, as well as referencing information provided by WhidbeyHealth on Monday, 1.11.2021 that was updated after receiving new guidance from Island County. For clarification to our community and in an effort to quell further distribution of information that is no longer accurate:
- Island County has directed WhidbeyHealth to only administer COVID-19 vaccine to the Phase 1 Tier A1 and A2 population groups.
- Island County Department of Public Health will not be progressing into Phase 1 Tier B1 vaccinations until Skagit County and others meet the saturation threshold for vaccinations of the Phase 1 Tier A1 and A2 population groups.
- WhidbeyHealth is continuing to refine our planning for administering vaccine to our community as we hold on progressing into more population groups. Unfortunately we do not have any additional information at this time.
- Please do not call WhidbeyHealth’s COVID-19 Testing Hotline to request information about vaccine administration.
- Please do not call WhidbeyHealth Medical Center or our Primary Care/Specialty Care clinics to request information.
- WhidbeyHealth will publish and communicate widely as soon as we know more information.
- Any questions should be directed to Island County Public Health’s COVID-19 Call Center: 360.678.2301 or email: pubhealth@islandcountywa.gov.
WhidbeyHealth recognizes that this is an inconvenience for our community who have eagerly been anticipating being able to receive COVID-19 vaccine. We once again ask for our community’s patience as we follow the administration guidance from local and state agencies.
“While this is an exciting phase in our fight against COVID-19, I cannot stress enough the importance of precautions,” Wooley said. “Everyone should follow advice related to gatherings, wearing masks, distancing, and frequent hand-washing.”
For the latest Press Release from Island County Department of Public Health regarding COVID-19 vaccinations: Click Here.
For additional information about the phased approach: Click Here.
For additional information about the “Find Your Phase” vaccine tool that will be available for scheduling and information on January 18th: Click Here.
Stay connected for current information at facebook.com/whidbeyhealth.