COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine & Prevention

Guidance on COVID-19: vaccines and how to seek care if you get sick.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine & Prevention

Guidance on COVID-19: vaccines and how to seek care if you get sick.

Provider putting a band aid on the arm of a boy who just received a COVID vaccine

Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine

UW Medicine recommends that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and get a yearly flu shot. This follows guidance and a standing order from the Washington State Department of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

A standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine from the Department of Health means that a pharmacist or provider give the vaccine to anyone over 6 months old. Even though guidelines may be different in other states.

How to get a COVID-19 vaccine

The 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine is now available at UW Medicine for adults, with pediatric doses expected soon. Here are your options for getting vaccinated.

Upcoming Appointment

  • Adults (18+): UW Medicine has the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available. You may receive it during your next scheduled visit.
  • Children: We are still waiting for our pediatric vaccine supply.

Vaccine-Only Appointments

  • Starting Oct. 1, 2025, you can schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine/Booster visit for both adults and children. (Date subject to change based on vaccine availability.)

Local Pharmacy Option

  • You may bring a digital or printed copy of your standing order to a local pharmacy to get vaccinated.
  • You do not need a copy of the standing order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at UW Medicine.

COVID-19 vaccine and insurance coverage

Even with the standing order, you may need to pay for the vaccine. It is not clear if insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare will pay for the COVID-19 vaccine for people who are not in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) eligible group. This group includes adults 65 and older and younger people with health conditions that raise their risk, such as obesity, heart disease, or cancer. Check with your insurance company to see if your vaccine is covered.

Get care for COVID-19 symptoms

COVID-19 frequently asked questions

COVID-19 frequently asked questions

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It usually causes breathing problems that can feel like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. While it mainly affects the lungs and respiratory system, it can also impact other parts of the body. Most people have mild symptoms, but some can become very sick.

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to stay up to date with the vaccine. You can also:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Get cleaner air by opening windows, using a HEPA air filter or spending time outdoors. and doors, use a HEPA air cleaner, spend more time outdoors.
  • Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands and clean surfaces you touch a lot.
  • Wear a mask or stay away from people who are sick. 

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

You should be tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible if you’re not feeling well or have symptoms:

  • Take an at-home rapid antigen test (sold online, in stores or at pharmacies.)
  • Go to a UW Medicine Urgent Care for a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. 

Are treatment options available for COVID-19?

Antiviral medications can treat active mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at higher risk of getting very sick. 

Do not go to the emergency room or a pharmacy to request these medications. Instead:

The Washington State Department of Health provides information about COVID-19 treatments in additional languages. 

What is Long COVID, and how do I get care?

If symptoms last for three (3) months or more, you may have Long COVID. Common symptoms include brain fog, tiredness and getting tired easily after little activity. Some people may also have heart, nerve, stomach or other problems that make daily activities of life harder. 

Anyone can get Long COVID, but you may be at higher risk if you:

  • Are over age 65
  • Are female
  • Are Hispanic or Latino 
  • Are unvaccinated
  • Have had COVID-19 more than once
  • Have other health conditions

If you think you have Long COVID, call 206.520.5000 to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or message your care team in MyChart.