The state Department of Health is investigating reports of people who tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks after being fully vaccinated. Out of one million fully vaccinated individuals in Washington state, epidemiologists report evidence of 102 breakthrough cases since Feb. 1, which represents .01% of vaccinated people in Washington.
There have been 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving fully-vaccinated residents of Snohomish County. To our knowledge, none have been hospitalized or died.
Vaccine breakthrough cases are to be expected with any vaccine, said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District.
“The number of vaccine breakthrough cases in Snohomish County remains exceptionally low,” he said “This demonstrates just how effective the vaccines are, but it also highlights the importance of continuing to wear masks and watch your distance around people you don’t live with.”
Large-scale clinical studies found that COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of getting COVID-19 in vaccinated people by up to 95% compared to people that did not receive the vaccine. However, the vaccines are not 100% effective in preventing infection. This means a small percentage of fully vaccinated people can be expected to still get COVID-19. These are identified as breakthrough cases.
Breakthrough cases have been identified in 18 Washington counties. The majority of confirmed vaccine breakthrough cases experienced only mild symptoms, if any. However, since Feb.y 1, eight people with vaccine breakthrough have been hospitalized. DOH is investigating two potential vaccine breakthrough cases where the patients died. Both patients were more than 80 years old and suffered underlying health issues. Further investigation will help to identify patterns among people who have COVID-19 after vaccination, such as if a virus variant may have caused the infection.
DOH confirms a breakthrough case with a positive PCR test or Antigen test in a person more than two weeks after he or she has received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Additional investigations help determine clinical and outbreak information.
For more information see the full Department of Health press release.