First Pierce County child dies of COVID-19

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A Lakewood girl is the first Pierce County child to die of COVID-19, health officials said Friday.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said the girl, who was under the age of 10, had multiple underlying health conditions.

“This sad news of this young girl’s death reminds us that we need to use all the best public health practices to protect each other from COVID-19,” said Director of Health Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH. “COVID-19 will continue to be with us for some time. Making healthy choices and getting vaccinated are the best ways to help our community recover.”

While children are usually at a lower risk from COVID-19, some do get seriously ill.

Health officials said children ages 5-11 are the least-vaccinated group of eligible people in Pierce County and only 19% are fully vaccinated.

Kids 5 and older are eligible to get vaccinated and children 12 and older should get booster shots, the health department said.

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