Vaccine skepticism, transportation issues remain for unvaccinated Washingtonians 65 and older
As people continue lining up for their COVID-19 shots throughout Washington, one group is conspicuous in their absence: People 65 and over.
The Washington State Department of Health reported that 28% of those 65 and older still aren't vaccinated, though they've been eligible for nearly three months.
Many who are over 65 who are not yet vaccinated continue to have trouble navigating the online booking system, or figuring out how to get to a vaccine appointment. But others who have not been vaccinated remain skeptical of the shot. Addressing those issues isn't easy.
Moderna launches COVID-19 vaccine trial in Seattle against variant
Seattle is one of four cities participating in a new trial of an investigational COVID-19 vaccine that was developed by Moderna to protect people against a coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa.
The Phase 1 clinical trial, taking place at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, is testing the immune response generated by the new vaccine candidate, as well as safety. The trial will not determine whether the vaccine prevents infection by the variant or stops its spread in the population, according to the organization.
The B.1.351 SARS-CoV-2 variant first identified in the Republic of South Africa has been detected in at least nine states. As of April 1, at least 17 cases have been reported in Washington, according to the state Department of Health.
US hits new vaccination record as COVID cases, hospitalizations rise
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday officials are watching rising COVID-19 case counts with concern, but are encouraged by the number of Americans who are getting vaccinated.
The CDC reported Saturday that more than 4 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine were administered in the previous 24 hours, setting a new daily record. The Biden administration noted the U.S. is now averaging more than 3 million vaccines administered per day.
Walensky stressed during Monday's White House COVID-19 response briefing that they are seeing some "concerning data trends" as cases and hospitalizations continue to rise. She added that the data shows cases are increasing nationally, predominantly among younger adults and they believe the increases are due in part to more highly transmissible variants.
UK eyes testing COVID-19 passports at mass gatherings
Britain is planning to test a series of measures including “coronavirus status certifications" over the coming weeks to see if they can allow people to safely return to mass gatherings at sports arenas, nightclubs and concerts.
People attending a range of events this month and in May, including a club night and key FA Cup soccer matches, will need to be tested both before and after. The trials will also gather evidence on how ventilation and different approaches to social distancing could enable large events to go ahead.
Officials are also developing plans to test out COVID-19 passports that are expected to show if a person has received a vaccine, has recently tested negative for the virus, or has some immunity due to having had coronavirus in the previous six months.
The issue of vaccine passports has been a hotly debated topic around the world, including in the United States.
Health officials urge caution as COVID-19 cases surge in King County
Amid good news about Washington's vaccine rollout, there are concerns about a surge in cases even here locally — but doctors say while this is concerning, it's something that can be controlled.
Nationally, more than two dozen states including Washington are seeing an increase in cases. Officials are warning of a “fourth wave” as more people begin to travel.
Some dying of COVID while awaiting vaccine
More than 247,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the U.S. since vaccines first became available mid-December. Officials had warned that dispensing enough vaccines to reach herd immunity would take months.
And with the initial vaccine supply extremely limited and the virus running rampant across the nation over the winter, it was a sad reality that some would contract COVID-19 and die before they could be inoculated.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released an online portal to check your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of Wednesday, March 31, the state moved to Phase 1B, Tiers 3 and 4, which added the following qualifications for eligibility:
- Anyone age 16 and older with two or more diseases or medical conditions
- Anyone age 60 and older
- Anyone living or working in certain congregate settings (correctional facilities, group homes for those with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, etc.)
- Additional high-risk critical workers in congregate settings (restaurants, manufacturing, construction)
If you are eligible, find a list of vaccine providers on the state's Vaccinate WA page and information on how to make an appointment.