Updated numbers show Washington state is close to vaccinating 45,000

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The state is still falling short of meeting Gov. Jay Inslee’s goals of vaccinating 45,000 people a day, but updated numbers show the state is getting a whole lot closer.

On Jan. 19, that number was 16,146. On Jan. 24, that number surged to more than 36,478. On Jan. 25, that number hit 39,063.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to expand and accelerate the number of Washingtonians who can get a vaccine,” Inslee said. “We still have a long ways to go and many days to get there with the number of people we need to vaccinate.”

Inslee said more than half a million people have been vaccinated in the state so far. But many more who are eligible are still waiting for their shots.

“There are more than 800,000 Washingtonians who are eligible for the vaccine but haven’t been able to receive it because we simply don’t have enough doses, have not been provided yet from the federal government,” Inslee added.

But he also announced a 16% bump of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for the next three weeks, which will help.

“It’s also great news they’re giving us certainty in delivery because providers have been deviled with uncertainty and unpredictability of the delivery schedule,” Inslee said.

On top of that, President Joe Biden’s administration also told Inslee it will send the state special syringes so that the state can get an extra dose of the Pfizer vaccine. This means health care workers will be able to get six doses out of the vial instead of five.

RAW: Gov. Inslee gives update on vaccinations

Cox Media Group