COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Information

Updated: September 29, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine information

All available COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at reducing the risk of COVID-19. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others. The vaccine is the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death, while helping to reduce the symptoms of infection and speed recovery.
Since we began administering COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December 2020, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is pleased to have provided over 300,000 vaccine doses
As availability of vaccine providers across the region has increased, the demand for large scale vaccination events has decreased. For information about vaccine availability near you or vaccine-only appointments we recommend visiting vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
Some of our Franciscan Medical Group clinics are now offering vaccine appointments for current patients. Current Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patients can call their primary care office or Franciscan Medical Group provider directly to see if they are scheduling vaccination appointments. Appointment availability will vary by location.

Patients who are looking for their COVID-19 vaccination records should visit the Washington State Department of Health’s website to access immunization information
Please continue to wash your hands, wear a mask, keep physical distance from others and stay home when you are unwell

Vaccine booster information

The Washington State Department of Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending:

A booster/third dose for certain individuals at higher risk who received the Pfizer two-dose vaccine series
A third dose for immunocompromised individuals who received either the Pfizer or Moderna two-dose vaccine series

As eligibility for booster doses expands, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is working with community partners to plan for large scale vaccine clinics in the downtown area and expect those will open on weekends in late October.

Individuals not included in the criteria below are not approved/eligible for a third dose at this time. Of note: Immunocompromised patients who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and higher risk patients who received the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine are not eligible. Please contact your health care provider if you have questions about your eligibility.

Who needs an additional COVID-19 vaccine?

Currently, the CDC is recommending a booster/third dose for the following groups of people.

1. Moderately to severely immunocompromised

Patients that are moderately to severely immunocompromised who received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) should receive a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine at least 28 days after receiving the second dose. This includes people who have:

Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

2. Higher risk patients six months after getting second Pfizer dose

Patients who completed their Pfizer vaccine series over six months ago and are:

Over age 65
Resident of a long-term care facility
Aged 18-64 with an underlying medical condition placing them at higher risk of a poor outcome with COVID-19.
18 years or older who work in high-risk settings

Eligible patients are recommended to obtain their booster/third dose through a community vaccine provider close to home, as our hospital and clinic vaccine supply is limited. If you are an immunocompromised patient in need of a third dose, please contact your primary care provider. A booster/third dose may also be available through your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provider as part of a routine clinic visit; however supplies are limited.

Vaccination certificates and proof of vaccination

Digital vaccination certificates available. Washington State COVID-19 vaccination certificates for individuals and their family members are now available through Washington MyIR mobile. Full immunization records are available at WA.myIR.net. If you received the vaccine in Washington, you can register online to access your vaccination record. The DOH has created an informational flier on handling Vax Cards, available in English and Spanish, with more languages coming soon. (Note the certificates are located on the "Documents" page once the system links your record — they are not under "Immunizations").

Individuals that are unable to match their records are encouraged to complete the MyIR Records release of information online form. Local RiteAid pharmacies are also contracted to assist in matching your records – view store locator.

Vaccination exemptions

Certain individuals may qualify for vaccine exemption based on particular health risk factors. Please contact your primary care team for further information regarding vaccine exemption requests.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

Scheduling a vaccine

Patients interested in a COVID-19 vaccine appointment should visit the Department of Health’s Vaccine Locator tool or call 1-833-VAX-HELP (1-833-829-4357) to schedule an appointment. Availability is updated regularly.

Some of our Franciscan Medical Group clinics are now offering vaccine appointments for current patients. Current Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patients can call their primary care office or Franciscan Medical Group provider directly to see if they are scheduling vaccination appointments. Appointment availability will vary by location.

Patients who are looking for their COVID-19 vaccination records should visit the Washington State Department of Health’s website to access immunization information.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

Local public health departments are providing information on clinics as they are scheduled. For more information, visit:

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2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information