Be a good neighbor: Don’t cross state lines for the COVID-19 vaccine

Washington State Department of Health

We are all relieved and anxious that COVID-19 vaccines are finally here — and in record time! We are so excited, some are even crossing state lines to get vaccinated to protect ourselves and our families. Even though we’re excited to finally put COVID-19 in our rear-view mirror, we need to make sure we share our vaccinations in a fair way.

The federal government provides vaccine doses based on state population size.

Right now, every state has shortages of COVID-19 vaccines due to logistical challenges with the federal roll out. In Washington, we still don’t have enough vaccine doses for all the eligible people who live and work here, but we will — soon. Please be patient.

If you are looking for vaccines at one of our mass vaccination sites (Ridgefield, Spokane, Kennewick, or Wenatchee) you must either live or work in Washington state. If you register for the vaccine at one of these sites, we may ask you for one of the following:

  • a driver’s license or work/school ID.

  • a utility bill.

  • a bank statement or letter with a Washington address.

  • a voucher from your employer, church, health care provider, school, or other registered organization that you live or work in Washington.

All eligible people living or working in Washington state should be vaccinated here — regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

Please don’t travel to Washington’s mass vaccination sites if you do not live or work in Washington state. To be a good neighbor, wait until it’s your turn to get the vaccine in the state where you live or work.

And remember, we are all saving lives by taking steps to keep ourselves and our communities safe. Let’s keep it up! Vaccinations have started, but our work isn’t over yet. Keep wearing your facial coverings, wash your hands, socially distance, and keep your gatherings small. We WILL put this virus behind us, but we need to be patient and fair as we do so. Be a good neighbor!

More information

Stay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.

Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.

Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday — Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday — Sunday. Language assistance is available.

CHA Washington