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September 15, 2025

Washington State DOH issues a standing order for people 6 months and older to receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine

On September 4, 2025, the Washington State Department of Health has issued a statewide standing order allowing all residents aged 6 months and older to receive a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of health status.

➜ This health advisory is also available in PDF format (236 KB)

Current situation

  • The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to recommend that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, stay up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against severe illness, long COVID, hospitalization, and death.
  • DOH recently issued a statewide standing order for COVID-19 vaccines that authorizes qualified health care providers – including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses – to administer the most up-to-date versions of the COMIRNATY, MNEXSPIKE, SPIKEVAX, and NUVAXOVID vaccines to everyone ages 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals, who do not have contraindications to the vaccine. Refer to DOH COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule.
  • The standing order supports DOH's recommendation that all people 6 months and older receive the COVID vaccine and is supported by recommendations from trusted national medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The standing order removes a barrier to accessing COVID-19 vaccines, but other challenges remain.
  • Patients do not need to provide documentation that they are “high-risk” if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Washington State. The standing order authorizes the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 6 months and older including pregnant individuals if there are no contraindications.

Actions requested

  • Recommend COVID-19 vaccination

    Recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals 6 months and older without a contraindication, including pregnant people.

    • A recommendation from a healthcare professional is one of the strongest drivers of vaccine uptake.

  • Maintain vaccine inventory

    Maintain 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine inventory.

    • Ordering for COVID-19 vaccines through the Washington Childhood and Adult Vaccine Programs will likely open between the end of September and early October.

  • Review the standing order

    Review the standing order and FAQs and share with your networks as appropriate.

    • Administer COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines during a visit, such as giving COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.

  • Address questions from patients

    Address questions from patients about WA DOH's COVID-19 vaccine standing order.

Background

Since 2021, COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended for all individuals 6 months and older who do not have contraindications to the vaccine. On August 27 the FDA approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines, but limited COVID-19 vaccine authorizations to those 65 and older, and those with at least one condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. National medical organizations, some state and local health departments (including DOH and Public Health – Seattle & King County), continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all people ages 6 months and above. Staying up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccines help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, long COVID, and death.

Resources and references

  1. Washington State COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order (WA DOH)
  2. Washington State Statewide Standing Order for COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Health Care Providers (WA DOH)
  3. Washington State Statewide Standing Order for COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for the Public (WA DOH)
  4. DOH COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule (WA DOH)
  5. Standing Orders | Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH)
  6. AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf (AAP)
  7. COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Obstetric–Gynecologic Care | ACOG
  8. Adult Immunization Schedule | AAFP
  9. COVID-19 Vaccine Insurance Coverage - A Guide for Health Care Providers and Health System Partners
  10. Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 | COVID-19 | CDC
  11. Contraindications and Precautions | COVID-19 | CDC
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