Confused about your eligibility for the Covid shot? In Washington state, you’re covered

Confused about your eligibility for the Covid shot? In Washington state, you’re covered Eilís O'Neill September 04, 2025 / 2:14 pm

Washington state’s health department is trying to straighten out confusion about who can or should get a Covid vaccine — and has given legal heft to their recommendation. Thanks to a standing order signed by the state health officer Thursday, anyone in the state can get the vaccine without consulting their doctor.

The standing order means that pharmacists, nurses, and other health care providers can give the Covid vaccine to everyone 6 months or older, including pregnant people, unless there’s a specific, individual reason not to. The agency issued the order in the wake of confusing and sometimes conflicting guidance from the federal government about