COVID-19 Vaccination

All viruses mutate (change) over time, including the COVID-19 virus. The changed versions of the virus are called variants. There are many variants and they are labeled using Greek letters. Some are more concerning than others. Those that the CDC considers "variants of concern" are ones that they closely monitor and that require specific public health actions. They may spread more quickly, cause more severe disease, or may be better at getting past the body’s immune defenses.

Current variants of concern are:

Delta variant, which is the main version of the virus currently spreading in the U.S.

Omicron variant first identified in South Africa and beginning to spread internationally

For more information, you can visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/FAQ.aspx and use the COVID-19 question bot to get your questions answered immediately. 

If you are unvaccinated, the new variants definitely pose an increased risk. They will spread more rapidly than previous variants in communities where vaccination rates are lower. This is true of the Delta variant as well as other variants of concern.

COVID-19 variants can cause more severe illness, be more transmissible (spreads more easily), and more likely to evade vaccine. Each of the variants differ in each of these traits. For more information about individual variant characteristics, view the CDC's variant classification.

As the virus continues to mutate, we will likely see more variants with increasing transmissibility that become the most dominant variants in the community. This is what we have seen with other variants of concern to date, which are currently much more prevalent than the original virus that was circulating earlier in 2020.

Because these strains are more contagious, they could be harder to control. Faster spread means more people get infected, leading to more COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and more deaths in a shorter period. A rapid increase in people with COVID-19 can quickly overwhelm our healthcare system's ability to respond to COVID-19 illnesses and other, unrelated serious conditions.

To date, vaccines appear to significantly reduce the risk of infection and greatly reduce the risk of severe disease for all variants. Vaccines are the best protection we have against the virus.

For the Delta variant, in particular, it appears that two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA vaccines (being fully vaccinated) provide strong protection against hospitalization and death. If you've received either of these vaccines, make sure to get the second dose: partial vaccination may be less effective against the Delta variant. Booster shots are also important to maximize protection.

Scientists continue to research how effective the mRNA vaccines and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be against new variants. For specific information about how each variant effects vaccine efficacy view the CDC's variant classification.

The Delta variant is the main COVID-19 variant in the U.S., including King County. Public health officials are closely monitoring for cases of the Omicron variant, which has been identified in King County and across the state of Washington.

Washington Department of Health (DOH) is tracking variants in our state. DOH issues a weekly report on how common different variants are in the community, which changes from week to week.

Variants of concern are much more common now than the original virus which was circulating in 2020.

All viruses change over time, including the COVID-19 virus. The changed versions for the virus are called variants. Omicron is the name given to a new variant of the COVID-19 virus.

For more information, please visit https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern

Health experts are urgently studying the variant to answer that question. It will take several weeks or longer before there is adequate data that can help researchers clearly understand how well the current vaccines work against Omicron.

It is possible that current vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant. However, South African officials reported that most of the people there who are sick from the Omicron variant were not vaccinated. The vaccine is not widely available in many African countries.

Many experts believe that current vaccines will likely remain effective, especially against severe disease, even if it is decreased somewhat. For the best protection, all people eligible for a booster dose should get it as soon as possible.

The Omicron variant was very recently identified so researchers are still learning about it. Multiple mutations in the Omicron virus’ proteins raise concern that it might spread rapidly and that current vaccines may be less effective against it. However, we don’t yet know for sure about how easily it spreads, how sick it can make people, and how well the vaccines can protect against it. Health officials are studying the Omicron variant to answer these questions.

In the meantime, it is important to remember that any coronavirus infection can be life-threatening. It is especially a danger for people with underlying medical conditions and older adults. Currently, virtually all COVID-19 cases in the US are caused by the Delta variant.

Get vaccinated, including booster shots

• The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

• Get a booster shot if you are 18 or older and have already received your first vaccinations (6 months since your second dose of Pfizer/Moderna, or 2 months since one dose of Johnson & Johnson). Booster shots increase your immunity so your body can better protect you against COVID-19, including variants.

• How to get vaccinated in King County: kingcounty.gov/vaccine

Mask up and avoid crowds

• Wear the best-quality and best-fitting mask you can get. N95, KN95, and KF94 masks are the most protective. Surgical masks and double-layer cloth masks that fit snugly and cover your mouth and nose also protect you and those around you. Wear them in indoor public settings or in any crowded place, and around people who are especially vulnerable. • Avoid crowded indoor activities whenever possible.

Keep clean air flowing indoors

• COVID-19 is a virus that spreads easily indoors through the air. Improving indoor air and keeping the air clean is important protection.

• Business owners and building operators can improve air quality to decrease the spread of COVID-19 by using air filters and when possible, opening windows and doors and adjusting heating and cooling systems. Learn more: kingcounty.gov/covid/air

• Family gatherings and other indoor activities that don’t have air filtration systems should open windows to increase the flow of fresh air.

• The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) collects data from labs in the state that are performing genomic sequencing on a subset of positive COVID-19 test samples. DOH reports results to the local health jurisdictions, including Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health), on an ongoing basis. If and when any samples from King County turn up that match the omicron variant, DOH will notify Public Health. You can learn more about genomic surveillance in our recent data report.

• In addition, extra steps will be put in place at some labs to help detect possible cases of the Omicron variant more quickly.

• It generally takes about three weeks to complete sequencing on a sample. In the meantime, Public Health continues to monitor for clusters of cases, emerging outbreaks, and changes in vaccine breakthroughs, hospitalizations, deaths, and reinfections.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has met the safety and success standards for use in children ages 5 through 15.

Children ages 5 through 11 will receive one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. These are smaller needles made for children ages 5 through 11.

HealthPoint is actively working on securing vaccines for children and will update this page when vaccines are available. To find the nearest vaccination location, you can:

Visit vaccines.gov

Text your postal code to 438829

Call 1-800-232-0233 to find the closest location to you.

Talk to your child and let them know what they can expect. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html for more information.

NOT recommended to take pain relievers before vaccination and prevent possible side effects.

Let the doctor or nurse know about any allergies your child may have.

After your child’s vaccination, you will be asked to stay for up to 30 minutes so your child can be observed for an allergic reaction.

IF YOU RECEIVED
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, you are eligible for a booster if you are:

-65 years or older

-Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings

-Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions

-Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

When to get a booster:
At least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series

Which booster should you get?
Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States

IF YOU RECEIVED
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen

You are eligible for a booster if you are:
-18 years or older

When to get a booster:
At least 2 months after your shot

Which booster should you get?
Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States

For more information about Boosters, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html?s_cid=11705:covid%20vaccine%20booster%20criteria:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22

How to self-schedule a first dose vaccine appointment at HealthPoint COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Site in Renton (or sign up for Patient Portal here) 

1. Log in to MyHealthPoint Patient Portal. 

2. Click Schedule. 

3. Select Request an Appointment. 

4. Choose HealthPoint for Practice. 

5. Select the patient to schedule a COVID vaccine for. (We are only offering vaccines to patients 18 and older at this time.) 

6. Select _COVID Vaccine Appointments for Select Provider. 

7. Choose COVID Vaccine Dose 1 ONLY for Select Category. (Dose 2 appointments will be made at the time of your visit.) 

8. Choose HPC Renton Medical for Location. 
**IMPORTANT: Vaccine appointments will be at 805 SW 10th Street, Renton, WA 98057.** (*NOT at HealthPoint Renton on 2nd Street*). Visit this page for directions. 

9. Enter the details for your appointment and your preferred dates and times. Click Search. 

10. Available appointments will display. Appointments become available on a weekly basis. If there are no available appointments, you will be prompted to change the search criteria or submit a request to have someone contact you.  

11. Select the desired appointment date and time. Click Book Appointment. 

The vaccine is free to you. The vaccine cost and appointment is paid for by Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance. You will not have to pay for the vaccine or appointment if you do not have insurance or your insurance does not pay for the appointment cost.

If you want the COVID-19 vaccine but do not need an appointment at HealthPoint: 

Vaccination is available at many locations in King County. Visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov  to find an appointment near you.  

Mass vaccination sites include Kent Acceso Showare Center, Auburn Outlet Mall, and Redmond Microsoft Conference Center. Visit the links to learn if appointments are available at these locations. 

As of 4/12, all sites are administering only Moderna and Pfizer.

NEW - Home vaccination visits from Seattle & King County Public Health 

In-home vaccination is now available for people age 16 and older who have not yet been vaccinated and have an injury, developmental disability, or medical condition that makes it difficult to leave the home. To schedule, call the King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 between 8 AM and 7 PM PST, any day. Language interpretation is available. You will be asked a few questions to confirm your eligibility for in-home vaccination. Family members and caregivers may call to request appointments on behalf of others. 

If you receive your COVID-19 vaccine at another location, remember to let your HealthPoint provider know at your next visit. 

HealthPoint receives Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, but we cannot guarantee which type will be available at your clinic. 

Our HealthPoint COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Site in Renton offers first-dose Pfizer vaccine and booster.

Our Renton 10th Street location is accepting new patients for COVID-19 vaccine. When you register as a new patient, we can connect you to our primary care, dental, and behavioral health services.

Call 1-866-893-5717 to schedule an appointment for new patients.

Yes, HealthPoint will accommodate doses done elsewhere if we can verify them. 

Everyone age 5 and up are now eligible in Washington! Certain vaccines are approved based on patient's age:

Johnson & Johnson: age 18 years and older

Moderna: age 18 years and older

Pfizer: age 5 years and older

We can help! If you need transportation assistance to your appointment, please call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 or HealthPoint at 1-866-893-5717. 

Seattle & King County Public Health now offers in-home vaccination is now available for people age 16 and older who have not yet been vaccinated and have an injury, developmental disability, or medical condition that makes it difficult to leave the home. To schedule, call the King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 between 8 AM and 7 PM PST, any day. Language interpretation is available. You will be asked a few questions to confirm your eligibility for in-home vaccination. Family members and caregivers may call to request appointments on behalf of others. 

The COVID-19 vaccines currently available at HealthPoint (Moderna and Pfizer) require two doses. The first shot starts building protection and the second shot increases and completes the protection.

Your second shot should be given 21 or 28 days after the first one, depending on the type of vaccine. You will need to get the same type of vaccine for both shots. When you get your first shot, your vaccination provider will give you information about when to get the second dose.

Some people might have symptoms like headache, a sore arm, fatigue, or fever after getting the shot. This is normal and a good sign that the body's immune system is building up protection. Contact your health care provider if: 

- Side effects feel severe or last more than a few days 

- Redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours (it is normal for the area to be a little sore for a few days) 

When you receive your vaccination, you will get information about how to use your smartphone to sign up for V-Safe. V-Safe is the CDC’s mobile app that helps you track health effects after you receive the vaccine. 

Vaccines are tested for safety and effectiveness before they are approved for use. Tens of thousands of people received COVID-19 vaccines without serious side effects. 

It is possible that rare side effects may happen when millions of people are vaccinated. For this reason, the safety of COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be monitored after they are given. 

The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are tested for safety and effectiveness in clinical trials before they are approved for use. Vaccines are not approved if the U.S. vaccine safety system finds they may not be safe.  

For more information about vaccine safety, read 8 Things to Know about the Coronavirus Vaccine from CDC. 

Vaccines are important to keep you healthy, and to protect the people you care about. The more people who are vaccinated for COVID-19, the sooner we can be together again.  

HealthPoint encourages everyone who is able to receive the vaccine to do so, to protect yourself and your loved ones.  

We understand this is an important decision. It is your right to decide if you want to receive a vaccine. You should use the most accurate information to make a decision. If you have any concerns about the vaccine, talk to your provider. It is their job to help you make the best choices about your health, like receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The COVID-19 vaccine teaches your immune system to recognize the coronavirus. When you get the vaccine, your immune system makes antibodies (“fighter cells”). These fighter cells stay in your blood and protect you in case you are infected with the virus. You get protection against the disease without having to get sick. 

COVID-19 vaccines do not cause COVID-19 illness. The vaccines don’t include live or weakened virus. 

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are just one tool to help us end the pandemic. Continue to cover your mouth and nose with a mask around others. Wash your hands frequently. Stay at least 6 feet away from others. Avoid crowds and gatherings inside your home with people who don’t live with you. 

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for anyone age 12 and older. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and extremely effective. All COVID-19 vaccines must go through rigorous testing and review before they can be used. After testing with over 2250 participants in this age group, the FDA authorized the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use for ages 12 and older and found no serious safety concerns. Independent experts confirmed the vaccine meets high safety and effectiveness standards. As of 8/23/21, the Pfizer vaccine has been fully approved by the FDA. 

Yes, pregnant and breast-feeding people can get the vaccine. The effects of the COVID-19 vaccine for these groups have not been well-studied yet. HealthPoint’s medical experts believe: 

It is very likely that COVID-19 vaccination while breastfeeding is very safe for both parent and child. It may even provide benefits to the baby. 

Vaccination for COVID-19 during pregnancy has many benefits, but there are things we still don’t know. If you are pregnant, your health care provider can help you decide if you should receive the vaccine. 

Pregnant people are more at risk of serious disease if they get COVID-19. Discuss the vaccine with your medical provider if you are pregnant.  

You can still get the vaccine if you have a food or oral (taken by mouth) medication allergy. 

*Tell your doctor if you have ever had an immediate (within 4 hours) allergic reaction to any vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated for COVID-19.*

Yes. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days, we recommend that you wait. This allows others who remain at higher risk for infection to be vaccinated first. Current evidence suggests reinfection is uncommon 90 days after the initial infection. 

All viruses mutate, or change, over time. This results in new virus variants.  

Imagine that the coronavirus has been working out. It’s gotten faster and more fit.  It can spread more easily to more people. 

New evidence shows that the vaccines currently used in the US are effective against the new variants of COVID-19. However, they may not be as effective as they are against the original virus. Scientists are still learning more.  

It is more important than ever to wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands. When it’s your time, get vaccinated to protect yourself and others! 

Yes, an official record of vaccination can be any of the following:

-A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 vaccination card, or a photo of one.

-A printout from the Washington State Immunization Information System.

-A screenshot or Certificate of Immunization Status from MyIR or MyIR Mobile.

Do NOT:

-Buy fake cards.

-Make your own cards.

-Fill in blank cards with false information.

Read this FAQ from Seattle & King County Public Health. Available in many languages at the bottom of the page.

Information about how the vaccine works, availability, and safety:  

Seattle & King County Public Health  

Washington Department of Health 

CDC