Over 9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Washington, health officials say

Over 9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Washington, Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said in a media briefing Wednesday. Approximately 77% of the state’s eligible population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Washington State Department of Health Acting Assistant Secretary Michele Roberts says that as of Oct. 9, 48% of 12 to 15-year-olds are fully vaccinated, and 54% of 16 to 17-year-olds are fully vaccinated.

“Let's continue to focus on getting our older kids vaccinated,” Robers said during the briefing. "All 12 to 17-year-old children are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine today, and so far, half of that population is fully vaccinated.”

Roberts also spoke Wednesday about the possibility of vaccinating kids ages 5 to 11 soon. “Last week, Pfizer asked the FDA to authorize its vaccine for kids age 5 to 11. We expect the FDA to meet later this month and the CDC’s advisory committee on immunization practices is expected to meet in early November. We are hopeful vaccines will be available for younger kids soon,” she said.

Dr. Frank Bell of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Swedish Medical Center said he wants to remind parents that while it’s exciting to have kids back in school, it’s important to remember to do everything possible to keep them safe in the classroom.

“COVID is not taking a holiday ... we need to take every measure we can to try and protect our kids, and it’s clear that the most important aspect of that is to vaccinate kids,” said Bell. He also said that parents who have questions or concerns should speak to their pediatricians. “We’re here to support you as parents and guardians.”

As far as transmission rates go, Lacy Fehrenbach, the state's deputy secretary for COVID-19 response, said the state is currently seeing some signs of improvement but disease remains high across the state. A graphic shared during the briefing illustrated that the state's current rate of infection is nearly the same as it was at it’s peak last winter, even though there has been a recent decrease in cases. 

“I want to remind folks that we continue to see the majority of people hospitalized with COVID-19 as people who are not vaccinated,” Fehrenbach said.

Fehrenbach also said that with Thanksgiving holiday being only six weeks away, this allows the perfect amount of time for someone to receive a first dose, second dose four weeks later, and two-week waiting period to be considered fully vaccinated. “If you’re going to gather, please get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19 if you have not yet,” she said.

“We have absolutely crossed the 9 million mark for vaccine doses given in the state of Washington,” Shah said Wednesday. “And we do know that pediatric vaccines, for ages 5 to 11, are right around the corner."

Shah said the state's health care system is still stressed, but focusing on vaccinations will help ease the tension and demand put on the system. “It’s critical for everybody to do their part to fight this pandemic," he said.

To find a vaccine site nearest you, use the state’s vaccine locator website or the CDC’s site. You can also call the state’s vaccine hotline at 833-VAX-HELP or text your zip code to 438-829 (GET-VAX) or 822-826 (VACUNA).