Unvaccinated Washington residents still much more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated peopleFree

SPOKANE — Your risk of testing positive for COVID-19 or being hospitalized with the virus is still much higher without vaccination, updated data from the Department of Health show.

Unvaccinated 12- to 64-year-olds are five times more likely to get COVID-19 than their vaccinated counterparts.

Vaccines are vital for avoiding a trip to the hospital as well. In 35- to 64-year-olds, unvaccinated people are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized with the virus than the vaccinated .

Similarly, unvaccinated 12- to 34-year-olds are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized with the virus than fully vaccinated people in this age group.

Vaccine appointments in Spokane County for children ages 5 to 11 appeared to fill up quickly this week, and statewide health officials have asked families to be patient as providers continue to receive doses into early next week.

The Spokane Regional Health District, as well as local pharmacies and health care providers, plan to offer more clinics and opportunities for children to be vaccinated in the coming weeks.

To find doses, visit the state’s vaccine locator, and be sure to filter for the pediatric Pfizer vaccine or call (833) VAX-HELP.