Vaccinated Yakima? Some Vaccinated Still Getting Sick

The state of Washington calls them “vaccine breakthrough” cases and they're increasing in Washington State. Officials from the Washington State Department of Health says there's currently a 43% increase in the number of breakthrough cases.

State officials say they've seen a 43% increase in breakthrough cases

A press release from the state says the increase in the number of breakthrough cases is related to the increase in the number of total cases statewide. "From January 17, 2021 - January 1, 2022, there have been 123,365 vaccine breakthrough cases identified in Washington State. While the majority of individuals with confirmed vaccine breakthrough experienced only mild or no symptoms, at least 3% were hospitalized."
And while there's been a 43% increase in  “vaccine breakthrough” cases state officials say being vaccinated is still the best protection against COVID-19.

State officials say the breakthrough cases represent a small percentage of people

State officials say currently more than 4.8 million people in Washington state are up to date on their vaccines. They say the breakthrough cases represent a small portion, about 2.5% of the vaccinated population.“If you are already vaccinated, getting a booster dose of vaccine is the best way to decrease your chance of getting a breakthrough infection,” says Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, Chief Science Officer. “Even without a booster dose, those who are vaccinated are less likely to become very ill and need hospitalization, and a booster dose decreases the risk even more.”
Large-scale clinical studies have found that COVID-19 vaccines prevented most people from serious illness and hospitalization. Scientists note that breakthroughs are expected with any vaccine.