Worries of a fourth wave as vaccine eligibility about to expand

It’s been more than a year of the coronavirus, and pandemic fatigue is climbing.

“I think it’s getting harder for people to be out here with the mask on because it’s kind of hard for some people to breathe and stuff like that. And some people are just getting tired of wearing them,” said Seattle resident Stewart Spencer.

Top health officials see signs that younger people especially are letting down their guard — fueling the fourth wave.

“We are concerned that we’re starting to see potentially the beginning of a fourth wave. … Whatever progress we had made from the third wave appears to have plateaued. And now we’re moving in a direction that is concerning to all of us,” said Washington Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.

This comes as Washington state will open vaccines to everyone ages 16 and older tomorrow. That’s another 1.5 million people who will need to be patient.

“It all continues to boil down to vaccine supply, and our state allocations have unfortunately gone down recently,” said Assistant Health Secretary Michele Roberts.

Washington is slated to get 365,000 doses for each of the next three weeks.

In all, 4,300 Johnson & Johnson doses had been expected, but that vaccine is still on pause for at least a week.

Because there aren’t enough vaccines yet — and it takes weeks for a vaccination to fully take effect — vaccines alone can’t stop the fourth wave.

“I would just say it’s not just about vaccine. It’s about the things, the behaviors people can do right now. And yes, we are. We are seeing increased cases. There’s big concern. That’s a fourth wave,” said the state’s health officer, Dr. Scott Lindquist.

Those behaviors include wearing a mask and social distancing.

“And of course, what I like it to be different. But do I understand the necessity of it? I do. So I’ll continue to do it as long as it takes,” said Lisa Watson.

Cox Media Group