Today, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a requirement for workers in private health care (including dental offices) and long-term care settings, in addition to most state workers, contractors, and volunteers, to be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021. Please note that there will not be a test-out option.

Additionally, employers will need to verify vaccination status of all employees, and under this proclamation, self-attestation is not an allowable mechanism for proving vaccination.

According to the Governor’s Office, this new requirement does include exemptions to the vaccine for individuals with legitimate medical reasons or sincerely held religious reasons. Exemptions do not include personal or philosophical objections.

As health care providers, we are trusted sources of fact-based medical information. Throughout the pandemic, WSDA has strongly encouraged dentists to champion COVID-19 vaccination among their teams, patients, and communities. Earlier this year, the Association worked with dentists across the state to publish a collection of articles to educate the public about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and to encourage vaccination among those who remain hesitant. WSDA continues to strongly encourage COVID-19 vaccination.

Unvaccinated individuals can visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov to find an appointment near them.

WSDA has been in ongoing communication with the Governor’s Office and will share more information as it becomes available. Additional details and full language of the proclamation are expected tomorrow and will be updated at wsda.org/COVID-19.

Sincerely,