Vancouver, Wash. – Public Health is urging Clark County residents not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear face coverings in indoor public places and get vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 case numbers are once again on the rise in Clark County, with the number of new cases doubling in the last week.
COVID-19 case rates are increasing across most age groups, with the highest rates among young adults 20 to 39 years old. And about 95% of Clark County cases since March have been unvaccinated, according to information gathered during case interviews.
In Clark County, only about 55% of people eligible for vaccination (12 years and older) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and about 61% have received at least one dose.
Local COVID-19 immunization rates are highest among people 65 years and older – about 75% have received at least one dose and 71% are fully vaccinated. Young adults ages 18 to 34 have the lowest vaccination rate among Clark County adults, with about 52% receiving at least one dose and only 45% fully vaccinated.
“A significant portion of our community is unvaccinated and putting themselves and others at risk of getting COVID-19,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, can prevent infection and are highly effective at preventing severe illness that can lead to hospitalization and death.”
According to data from the state Department of Health, unvaccinated people 45 to 64 years old are 16 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than those of the same age who are vaccinated. Those 65 and older who are unvaccinated are 12 times as likely to be hospitalized as those who are vaccinated.
Anyone with questions about COVID-19 vaccines, should talk to their health care provider.
People who are not fully vaccinated, including children who are too young to be vaccinated, should continue to wear face coverings in indoor public places or when around people they don’t live with.
“Getting vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19. If you’re not yet vaccinated, the next best thing you can do is wear a face covering,” said Dr. Steven Krager, deputy health officer for Clark County. “Not doing so is putting yourself and others at risk, particularly children too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised people who may not receive full protection from the vaccines.”
COVID-19 vaccine is widely available at local pharmacies and medical offices. To find vaccine locations:
More information about COVID-19 vaccines is available on the Public Health website.