Washington Doubles Daily COVID-19 Vaccination Goal

OLYMPIA, Wash. -The Washington State Health Department is doubling its daily COVID vaccination goal to 90,000 across the state.

But that will hinge on whether or not the Johnson and Johnson vaccine can be used again soon.

"We're hopeful that they will at least, if not lift the pause completely, provide additional guidance on which situations this vaccine can be used in. We do believe when that happens we will again have 3 vaccines that are safe, and 3 vaccines that are effective," says State Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shaw.

He adds that more than 4.6-million doses of the vaccine have been put in the arms of Washingtonians, with about one-quarter of the population being fully-vaccinated.

And while the number of Washingtonians vaccinated is rising, so is the number or Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. "We are close to turning the corner in the state of Washington, but we are seeing the beginning of a fourth wave, tha means people need to hang on longer," says Dr. Shaw.

The Benton-Franklin Health District reported 36 more cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday in Franklin County, and 29 in Benton. Franklin County's case rate is now 230, well above the recommended 200 per 100,000 people over a two-week period, and Benton County is at 178.