A 12-year-old boy receives a first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Harborview Medical Center on May 13, in Seattle. Photo: David Ryder/Getty Images
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on Wednesday announced that the city had become the first major metropolitan in the country to fully vaccinate 70% of its population.
The big picture: Durkan said 78% of Seattle's population, 12 years and older, have received their first dose, adding it is one of the country's highest vaccination rates.
What they're saying: "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," Durkan said.
- "Now that we have reached community protection, we can lead the nation in safely reopening and recovering in earnest," he added.
- "Our City was one of the first in the country hit by this deadly virus and we’ll be one of the first to recover thanks to everyone doing their part to protect themselves and their neighbors," said Calvin Goings, director of the City’s department of Finance and Administrative Services.
What to watch: Durkan said that the city will begin efforts to support its reopening and recovery, urging all residents to support small businesses, arts and culture programming and increase transit use.