Health officials in Pierce County hope vaccinations increase with return to Phase 3
All of Washington is under Phase 3 of the state’s Roadmap to Recovery plan to combat COVID-19.
But Pierce County’s high case numbers have some concerned that loosening restrictions may reverse the county’s current downward trend.
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No, there is no evidence the COVID-19 vaccine causes loss of taste or smell
More than 37 percent of the US population has been fully vaccinated from COVID-19, according to the CDC, but many people have concerns about vaccine side effects, which can include some short-term symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, such as fever and chills.
VERIFY viewer Sandra asked if the COVID-19 vaccine could cause someone to lose their sense of taste.
EU takes big step toward relaxing travel for vaccinated
The European Union on Wednesday took a step toward relaxing tourism travel for visitors from outside the bloc, with EU ambassadors agreeing on measures to allow fully vaccinated visitors in.
They also agreed on easing the criteria for nations to be considered a safe country, from which all tourists can travel. Up to now, that list included only seven nations.
No, you can’t get the COVID-19 vaccine from a blood transfusion
Several social media claims state that those choosing not to get the COVID-19 vaccine should be able to refuse blood transfusions from vaccinated people, alleging that the vaccine may one day induce life-threatening disorders.
However, receiving a blood transfusion from a vaccinated donor does not protect you from COVID-19.
Dr. Shmuel Shoham, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins, explained that blood transfusions are usually packed with red blood cells, and when preparing blood for transfusion, the two most important COVID-19 fighting components of blood — antibodies and white blood cells — are removed.
Washington state update on COVID-19
Officials with the Washington State Department of Health gave a briefing Wednesday morning on the state response to COVID-19 and vaccinations.
COVID-19 cases continue to decline after a fourth wave of infections peaked at the end of April.
However, health officials urged people to get vaccinated to drive down hospitalizations. Recent data shows the risk of hospitalization is 18 times higher among unvaccinated people ages 45-64 than fully vaccinated people in that same age group, according to Secretary of Health Umair Shah.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
Everyone in Washington state aged 16 and over is eligible for the vaccine.
Find a list of vaccine providers on the state's Vaccinate WA page and information on how to make an appointment.
Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for people 16 and 17 years old, and the state is working to update its Vaccine Locator with information about which vaccine is offered at each location.
More vaccine sites have begun accepting walk-in patients with no appointment necessary, including Seattle's mass vaccine sites at Lumen Field Event Center, Rainier Beach and West Seattle as well as King County's sites at Outlet Collection Way in Auburn, the ShoWare Center in Kent and at the Shoreline Center.
Other health care providers allow people to join waiting lists for the vaccine, and they will contact you when doses are available. Join the waiting list for:
- Virginia Mason
- UW Medicine: Call (844) 520-8700
