With COVID circulating, now’s time to get kids vaccinated, state health officials say

Washington state health officials used their time at a Wednesday news briefing to emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccines for children and staying safe over the holiday weekend and summer months.

Michele Roberts, assistant secretary for prevention and health with the Department of Health, told reporters that statewide, nearly 75% of those 5 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Now the focus shifts to young children,” she said, “and I’m really excited to share that we have vaccination in our communities happening for kids that are under age 5. Vaccination is now recommended for everyone, ages 6 months and older.”

She said that as of June 27 more than 7,000 children in the state ages 6 months through 4 years had started their vaccination series, one week after vaccination began for the group.

However, she noted, “when it comes to kids ages 5 to 11, less than a third of that group has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a big concern for us.”