COVID-19 vaccines open to Washington residents 16 and over

OLYMPIA, Wash. — COVID-19 vaccines are open to all Washington adults starting Thursday just as health officials warn of rising case counts.

The health department says a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations suggest Washington is entering into another wave of the pandemic.

They have seen increases in younger age groups, especially people in their teens and 40s and 50s.

Health officials say the vaccine will help but people should also continue to mask up and avoid unnecessary travel to slow the spread.