'Vaccine Breakthroughs' Confirmed In Tiny Fraction Of WA Patients

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington's top health officials have confirmed several "vaccine breakthrough" cases in the state.

A vaccine breakthrough is when a patient catches a disease, despite being fully vaccinated against it.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) says they've uncovered a total 102 breakthrough cases spread across 18 of Washington's 39 counties. Most of the cases caused just mild symptoms, according to the DOH, but eight people who had previously been vaccinated have since been hospitalized with COVID-19. The DOH says they are also investigating two cases where patients died, and may have been fully vaccinated.

Health experts say some cases like these are to be expected, and the news only reinforces prior studies on vaccine efficiency. When the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were being tested, researchers found they were each about 95 percent effective at preventing COVID-19 transmission — meaning they don't totally guarantee immunity. The DOH is quick to point out that vaccines have been more than 95 percent effective in Washington: one million Washingtonians are fully vaccinated, so the 102 breakthrough cases represent just 0.01 percent of vaccinated residents. As of Saturday, a total 3,245,982 vaccines have been administered across Washington.

The DOH continues to urge eligible residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as it remains the most effective tool for preventing transmission.

"It is important to remember that every vaccine on the market right now prevents severe disease and death in most cases," said Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah. "People should still get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, and encourage friends, loved ones, and co-workers to do the same."

However, Shah notes that the findings are a reminder the vaccine is not a catch-all, or a license to abandon all other safety precautions.

"Finding evidence of vaccine breakthrough cases reminds us that, even if you have been vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask, practice socially distancing, and wash your hands to prevent spreading COVID-19 to others who have not been vaccinated," Shah said.

The DOH says a confirmed breakthrough cases must have a positive PCR or Antigen tests two weeks after the patient has received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. They will be continuing to investigate vaccine breakthroughs as they happen and say they will be providing regular reports on the issue to the public beginning late next month.

Similar breakthrough cases have been reported in Minnesota and Florida. Like Washington, in Minnesota the breakthrough case rate represents just one-tenth of a percent of the people who have been fully vaccinated.