Dozens of Washingtonians test positive for COVID-19 after full vaccination, DOH says – KIRO 7 News Seattle

OYLYMPIA, Washington – The Washington State Department of Health announced Tuesday that it is investigating reports of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks after being fully immunized.

The health ministry said scientists have identified them as “vaccine breakthrough” cases, and they are expected with any vaccine.

Out of one million fully vaccinated Washingtonians, epidemiologists report evidence of 102 breakthrough cases since February 1. This represents about 0.01% of people vaccinated in the state.

Officials said revolutionary cases had been identified in 18 counties.

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

The health ministry said the majority of people who confirmed the vaccine’s breakthrough had mild symptoms, if any. Since February 1, eight people with a vaccine breakthrough have been hospitalized.

“The DOH is studying two potential cases of vaccine breakthrough in which patients have died. Both patients were over 80 years old and suffered from underlying health conditions, ”officials said in a press release.

The Department of Health has confirmed a case of vaccine breakthrough with a positive PCR or antigen test in a person more than two weeks after being fully vaccinated.

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.

Officials said studies found vaccines reduced the risk of getting COVID-19 in people vaccinated by up to 95% compared to people who did not receive the vaccine. However, vaccines are not 100% effective in preventing infection. A small percentage of people vaccinated could still be infected.