DOH confirms cases of fully vaccinated people contracting COVID-19

OLYMPIA, Washington – The Washington State Department of Health has said it has confirmed cases of fully vaccinated people testing positive for COVID-19 – which health experts are calling “vaccine breakthrough” cases.

First, the DOH notes that a breakthrough can happen with any vaccine.

COVID vaccines reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus by up to 95% compared to people who have not received the vaccine, but they are not 100% effective in preventing infection.

“It’s important to remember that every vaccine currently on the market prevents serious illness and death in most cases,” Health Secretary Dr Umair Shah said. “People should always get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and encourage their friends, relatives and colleagues to do the same.”

According to the DOH, out of 1 million fully vaccinated people in Washington, they have detected 102 breakthrough cases, which equates to 0.01% of all people vaccinated. These cases have been identified in 18 counties and two people – both over the age of 80 – have died after being hospitalized with COVID infection.

Finding evidence of vaccine breakthrough cases reminds us that, even if you have been vaccinated, you should still wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands to avoid transmitting COVID-19 to others who have not been vaccinated, ”Shah said.

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