Critical workers in certain congregated settings will be eligible for vaccine on March 22

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee announced an updated timeline of the state’s vaccine rollout plan during a Thursday afternoon news conference.

The state can expect to be in phase 1b-Tier 2 of vaccinations on March 22.

This includes critical workers who work in certain congregated settings, including workers in agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, firefighters and law enforcement; as well as workers in corrections, prisons, jails or detention centers.

>> Vaccination rates in Washington state

According to the state, this tier will also include people over 16 years old who are pregnant or who have a disability that puts them at high risk.

This plan also assumes that the vaccine supply continues to increase.

Starting in mid-April, the state can expect to make more people eligible and to enter Phase 1b-Tier 3 of the vaccination rollout plan.

The dates are tentative, and expanding eligibility will depend on supply and the state’s progress in vaccinating earlier groups.

According to the state, by April 12, people who are 50 or older with two or more comorbidities will be eligible for the vaccine.

Comorbidities are certain underlying medical conditions, like heart disease, cancer or diabetes, which could make someone more vulnerable to severe complications from COVID-19.

>> How can I get vaccinated in Washington state?

Inslee’s office said on April 26, people who are 16 or older and have two or more comorbidities will be eligible. Also, people living in congregate settings will become eligible. This includes people living in correctional facilities, group homes for people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness that live in or access services in congregate settings.

Cox Media Group