Health & Fitness
Washington Hits 70 Percent Vaccination Goal
"We don't plan to stop until we cross the finish line," said Assistant Secretary of Health Michele Roberts.
OLYMPIA, WA — Washington has reached a new vaccination milestone: Over 70 percent of residents 16 and older have now taken one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
CONGRATULATIONS WASHINGTON! pic.twitter.com/T2CfVQWAiY
— WA Dept. of Health (@WADeptHealth) July 14, 2021
As of July 12, health care providers across the state had administered almost 8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to nearly 4.3 million Washingtonians — including at least one shot for Washingtonians 16+.
The state has long been working towards that 70 percent threshold. Back in spring, the governor announced that if Washington could get 70 percent of residents 16+ to initiate vaccination, the state would immediately lift the remaining COVID-19 restrictions. The hope at the time had been to reach the 70 percent threshold by the end of June. Unfortunately, vaccination rates couldn't keep up and the state ended up lifting those restrictions on June 30.
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Now, the state has finally hit that threshold, and though it is no longer tied to any changes in rules or restrictions, the Washington State Department of Health says it still feels good to clear the milestone.
"Thanks to you, Washington, we have reached our 70 percent goal of COVID-19 vaccinations and our communities are safer and more protected," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Health Michele Roberts. "This milestone has taken months of hard work and dedication, and we don't plan to stop until we cross the finish line."
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Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah shared a similar sentiment, saying his department would continue vaccine outreach programs in an effort to push the vaccination rate even higher.
Now that we've hit 70% of the population 16+ receiving at least one dose, we have to emphasize that our work is NOT done! While we have made great strides, we still need to continue to encourage those that have not vaccinated yet to get their vaccine. They are our PROTECTION.
— Office of Dr. Umair A. Shah, WA Sec of Health (@WaHealthSec) July 14, 2021
In particular, Shah points to the state's "Care-A-Van" program, a mobile vaccine delivery service which works with community partners and health jurisdictions to bring more vaccines to the communities that need them most.
The state will also continue to offer vaccination incentives. Though the "Shot of a Lifetime" vaccine lottery held its final drawing earlier this week, the “A Heroes Thanks” lottery for military members, staff, and their families will begin next week.
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