A standing order issued by the Washington State Department of Health will ensure Washington residents can easily access the COVID-19 vaccine this year.

The order, which went into effect Sept. 4, allows most residents in Washington to receive the vaccine directly at pharmacies or health care clinics without a prescription, according to a news release from the health department .

The order reaffirms the health department’s guidance that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death.

“COVID-19 vaccines are well-researched, well-tested, and have saved millions of lives around the world,” State Health Officer Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett said in the news release. “We want to ensure

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