Your risk of testing positive for COVID-19 or of being hospitalized with the virus is much higher without vaccination, updated data from the Ministry of Health shows.

Unvaccinated 12 to 64 year olds are five times more likely to contract COVID-19 than their vaccinated counterparts.

Vaccines are also essential to avoid a trip to the hospital. Among those aged 35 to 64, unvaccinated people are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized with the virus than those who are vaccinated.

Likewise, unvaccinated 12 to 34 year olds are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized with the virus than fully vaccinated people in this age group.

Vaccine appointments in Spokane County for children ages 5 to 11 appeared to fill up quickly this week, and state health officials have asked families to be patient as providers continue to receive doses until early next week.

The Spokane Regional Health District, along with local pharmacies and health care providers, plan to provide more clinics and opportunities for children to get immunized in the coming weeks.

To find doses, visit the state vaccine locator, and be sure to filter for Pfizer Pediatric Vaccine or call (833) VAX-HELP.

Here is an overview of local numbers

The Spokane Regional Health District has reported 179 new cases of COVID-19 and four additional deaths.

There have been 997 deaths from COVID-19 among residents of Spokane County.

There are 103 people hospitalized with the virus in the county.

The Panhandle Health District has reported 220 new cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths.

There are still 1,356 pending cases in the district.

There are 112 residents of Panhandle hospitalized with the virus.