Seattle Is America's Most Vaccinated Major City, Mayor Says

SEATTLE — Seattle is the first major city in the United States to reach the 70 percent mark for fully vaccinated residents ages 12 and older, the mayor's office announced Wednesday. Mayor Jenny Durkan said the Emerald City has successfully overtaken San Francisco for the top spot and even pulled ahead of Vermont, which leads the nation in statewide vaccination rates.

City officials expect Seattle's numbers to grow even further, with the vaccination rates among those with at least one dose already nearing 80 percent.

"When we launched our vaccination effort earlier this year, I said that I wanted Seattle to become the first major American city to fully vaccinate 70 percent of its residents," Durkan said Wednesday. "Seattle is America's most vaccinated major city, and it would not have been possible without our residents' commitment to protecting themselves, their loved ones, and our entire community."

City-run vaccination efforts administered nearly a quarter-million doses through mobile teams, pop-up clinics, sporting events and Seattle's five fixed sites, according to the mayor's office. Of that total, nearly 100,000 doses were given at the Lumen Field Event Center. All but one of Seattle's mass vaccination sites are closing this month.

"From the moment we received approval to begin administering vaccinations, we knew that hope was on the horizon," said Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins. "As we reach this week's milestone of fully vaccinating 70 percent of our community, I am reflecting on all the hard work it has taken to get us to this point. I extend my gratitude to every single resident who chose to receive the vaccination — you are making a difference, and because of you we are closer to reopening."

With most of Seattle's larger vaccine sites closing down, the city plans to continue its mobile efforts into the summer to give as many people as possible the opportunity to get a shot. The city will also focus on reopening and recovery efforts, including support for small businesses and restaurants, and new campaigns to boost transit use. The mayor's office said more details on the recovery-focused plans would be shared in the weeks ahead.

On the statewide level, Washington still has a way to go to reach its vaccination goals. If the state can hit the 70 percent mark for residents 16 and older with at least one dose, it will reopen before the June 30 target. As of Wednesday, that metric was at 66.4 percent, Gov. Jay Inslee said.