Novel coronavirus information

February 25, 2022

COVID-19 testing, vaccines and treatments update (Message to UW Medicine patients)

This message was sent to UW Medicine patients.

To our valued patients and their families:

We are pleased to share with you updates on UW Medicine’s COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and boosters as well as information about therapeutics (treatments) that we are now offering to individuals who are immunocompromised or at-risk for progressing to severe COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing  

With the omicron surge, it was necessary to reserve our testing capacity for those experiencing COVID-like symptoms and those in close contact with individuals with confirmed COVID-19. UW Medicine is now expanding its COVID-19 testing to include testing for travel, events and social gatherings.

  • Please check our website for locations, hours of operation and when an appointment is needed.
  • Please DO NOT visit our emergency rooms only for a COVID-19 test.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters  

We continue to offer vaccines, boosters and third and fourth doses for individuals 5 years of age and older at clinics throughout the greater Seattle/Puget Sound area. Please note:

  • Online booking is available for ages 5 – 11 or call 844.520.8700 to schedule by phone.
  • For ages 12 and older, call 844.520.8700 to join the vaccine appointment waitlist.
  • We anticipate offering vaccinations for children under 5 once FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) approval is granted for the Pfizer vaccine.
  • Our website has frequently asked questions about vaccine dosing, eligibility and other information.

COVID-19 Therapeutics (Treatments) 

UW Medicine currently offers the following therapeutics (treatments) for patients with an active COVID-19 infection who are at higher risk for progression to severe COVID-19:

  • Sotrovimab monoclonal antibody infusion
  • Paxlovid oral antiviral medication
  • Molnupiravir oral antiviral medication

Due to limited supply, these treatments are only available by going through an approval process for an appointment or prescription. Please do not go to the emergency room or pharmacy to request these treatments without prior approval.

UW Medicine also offers Evusheld monoclonal antibody therapy for pre-exposure prevention. This therapy is for patients who are severely immunocompromised and only after screening by the UW Medicine COVID-19 Therapeutics Team or your UW Medicine physician.

For more information, please visit our Therapeutics webpage.

Thank you for choosing UW Medicine for your healthcare needs.

Sincerely,
UW Medicine Leadership