COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster Updates

In line with federal and state guidance, we are distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to those who are currently eligible.

Learn More

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

  • Whether you are a new patient or you need to see your regular physician or provider for a medical issue, you can do so from the comfort of your home.
  • When you call for any non-urgent appointment, ask if the clinic offers Zoom and if your appointment is appropriate for a virtual visit. You can download Zoom here. Clinic staff will explain how to access Zoom from either your mobile device or desktop computer, and will give you the Zoom ID to use. You do not have to create a Zoom account to use this service.
  • All aspects and quality of the visit are similar to an in-person visit, including cost and copays, if required. Most payers cover virtual visits.
  • Rest assured we never record virtual visits, and they are encrypted to ensure patient privacy.
  • To learn more about the process, watch our Virtual Visits video. 

COVID-19 Testing Update

Patients seeking COVID-19 testing should visit a local testing location for support. Please do not visit the hospital or emergency department for routine, asymptomatic or travel testing. Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

Latest vaccine information

The Washington State Department of Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending booster/third doses for some patients. Learn more about the latest guidance.

As vaccine supply increases, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is shifting our strategy to better serve our patients. We are in the process of transitioning our hospital-based vaccination clinics to certain Franciscan Medical Group clinics and other community locations. Learn more about our vaccine distribution.

Access Your Family's Immunization Information

If you or a loved one have any symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your regular provider, schedule a Virginia Mason Franciscan Virtual Urgent Care visit or go to one of our Prompt Care or Urgent Care clinics to be screened.

Seek emergency medical treatment immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency department if you or a loved one have any of these symptoms: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face.

With the continuing spread of COVID-19 in our community, we are working closely with state and local health authorities to care for affected individuals while also taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within the communities we serve. Please check back often as we continue to share updates and resources as the situation develops.

Visitor restrictions

We are actively screening and restricting visitors at all our hospital and clinic locations as we work to keep our communities safe. Please read our current visitor restrictions below before visiting any of our locations.

As COVID-19 activity is increasing, increased visitor restrictions are now in effect across all CHI Franciscan hospitals.

Before you visit: All visitors must comply with screening and mask requirements when entering the building. Visitors with symptoms will not be allowed to enter, and visitors must wear masks for the entirety of their stay.

We understand it is a difficult time for our patients and their loved ones. These restrictions are very important for the health and safety of our patients and staff, and those who do not comply may have visitation access revoked. Please contact the hospital or your medical provider if you have any questions about the visitor policy.

At this time, hospital visitors are only allowed in the following circumstances:

  • One visitor at a time for end-of-life
  • One parent of a special-care infant
  • One support person for laboring mothers
  • One parent of a minor for scheduled appointment, surgery or procedures
  • Care partner who needs to learn how to care for a patient 
  • Caregiver needed for incapacitated patient
  • Professionals providing essential support and/or care as part of a patient’s care team, including doulas
  • People with legal authority or responsibility for care
  • Emergency Services department: One visitor per Emergency Services department visit, at the discretion of the clinical care team.

For the safety of patients and staff, the following visitors are not allowed:

  • Visitors with any symptoms: Fever (greater than 100.4 or, if 65 or older, greater than 99.6), cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, headache, congestion or runny nose, and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea)
  • Visitors who are not willing or able to wear a mask the entire time they are in the hospital.
  • Children 12 and under are restricted from visiting.

Any approved visitors:

  • Must use designated entrances
  • Will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms
  • Will be asked to complete hand hygiene upon entry
  • Must wear a mask the entire time while inside the building, including in a patient’s room. Masks must be tight-fitting and completely covers nose and mouth. Gauze, knitted, gaiter or crochet masks will not be allowed.
  • Are encouraged to maintain physical distancing (at least six feet apart from others)

Learn more about face covering guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health.

Virtual urgent care visits for mild COVID-19 symptoms

To support our community response to the coronavirus, we are expanding access to virtual urgent care. If you're experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, you may schedule a virtual visit for a flat fee of $59. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

With the influx of virtual visits due to COVID-19 in our community we are experiencing longer than usual wait times for our virtual visits. While this is not ideal, staying at home and waiting is the best way to prevent the spread of illness. Once you have registered for your visit, there is an option to receive a text notification when the provider is ready to see you. 

Visit https://www.onlinevirtualvisit.com/virginia-mason-virtual-care-clinic/. 

What to do if you have symptoms

If you or a loved one have mild respiratory symptoms suggesting Coronavirus (COVID-19) such as cough, low-grade fever or mild respiratory problems, schedule a Virginia Mason Franciscan Virtual Urgent Care visit today.

Learn About Virginia Mason Franciscan Virtual Urgent Care

If you or a loved one have a fever, cough or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, we recommend that you visit one of our Prompt Care or Urgent Care Clinics, or contact your Primary Care Provider to be assessed for COVID-19. 

We no longer provide COVID testing for asymptomatic patients who require COVID testing for travel or work at our Prompt and Urgent Care locations. Those patients will be referred to their primary care provider or their local community COVID testing sites (including Walgreens and CVS). This is due to increasing volumes of symptomatic and sometimes very sick respiratory patients at our prompt and urgent care clinics.

COVID-19 testing is available at most of our primary and specialty care clinics by appointment. Please call ahead for more details.

COVID-19 Prompt Care and Urgent Care locations:

If you have severe symptoms such as high fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, please go to the Emergency Services department to be evaluated.

Coronavirus testing

Our health care providers are in constant communication with local health officials on coronavirus testing. Some of our divisions are offering outpatient clinics for testing. Check with your health care provider for details.

A test is required in advance of any procedure scheduled in the hospital. Check with your provider’s office if you have any questions.

Additional information on testing is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Test pricing

In accordance with provisions in the CARES Act, the “cash” price for COVID-19 testing is available online. The actual price a patient may pay will likely be lower, as this price does not take into account insurance coverage or financial assistance a patient may be eligible for. Where testing is available at our own facilities it can typically be provided at a reduced cost. If in-house testing is not available, testing may be performed by an outside lab which sets the price for its test. These cash prices are only for the COVID-19 diagnostic testing itself and are not inclusive of the diagnosis and/or treatment of other medical conditions. Charges are continually reviewed and subject to change.

Safety measures

CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Severe illness associated with using non-pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate

Do not ingest aquarium use products or any other chemicals that contain chloroquine phosphate. These chemicals are not intended for human consumption and can lead to serious health consequences, including death.

Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider and always according to the instructions provided.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider or your poison center (1-800-222-1222).

How to protect yourself and others

Need to schedule an appointment?

Whether you are a new patient or you need to see your regular primary care or specialty care provider for a medical issue, you can do so from the comfort of your home.

When you call for any non-urgent appointment, ask if the clinic offers Zoom and if your appointment is appropriate for a virtual visit. You can download Zoom. Clinic staff will explain how to access Zoom from either your mobile device or desktop computer, and will give you the Zoom ID to use.  You do not have to create a Zoom account to use this service.

All aspects and quality of the visit are similar to an in-person visit, including cost and copays, if required. Most payers cover virtual visits. Rest assured we never record virtual visits, and they are encrypted to ensure patient privacy. 

COVID-19 testing locations

King County: Free COVID-19 testing

Pierce County COVID-19 testing

Kitsap County COVID-19 testing

More information

Birth Center COVID-19 Information and FAQs

Care for pregnant patients during COVID-19

What is coronavirus disease 2019?

Washington State Department of Health

Public Health – Seattle and King County

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Kitsap Public Health District

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

Vaccine Information
Free Community Testing
Virtual Urgent Care
Emergency Services
COVID-19 Response Volunteer Application
Flu Resource Center
Donations
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Safety Facts
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Safety Tips
#FranciscanStrong
Supporting Our Frontline Heroes