70% of state population 16 and up has received at least one vaccine dose

As of July 14 — just before the Washington State Department of Health’s COVID-19 briefing — it was confirmed that the state has reached its goal of 70% of those age 16 and up having received at least one vaccine dose.

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“This is great news. We knew we were going to get here,” said Dr. Umair Shah, state secretary of health.

Another GREAT announcement as of a few minutes ago, WA has now hit 70%! 🥳🎉🥳🎉👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/xiK69M9cP0

— Office of Dr. Umair A. Shah, WA Sec of Health (@WaHealthSec) July 14, 2021

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The state already met and has exceeded the goal the federal government had set, which was 70% of those ages 18 and up receiving one dose. Washington has now hit the 70% mark for those 16 and up.

“There is still work to be done,” Shah clarified.

As of July 12, Dr. Shah reported that almost 8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given out to nearly 4.3 million people in Washington.

More than 3.9 million people are now fully vaccinated in Washington, which is almost half of the state’s population. But that also means that half of the population is still vulnerable, Shah pointed out, including all kids under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccines.

“We absolutely recognize that we have made so much progress in our population of 18 years and above, 16 years and above, and certainly 12 years and above, but those who are under 12 are still not eligible for vaccines,” Shah said. “We have to continue to redouble our efforts to protect our youngest in our communities.”