The share of Natick’s eligible population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has surpassed 86%, bolstered by rising vaccination rates among the youngest eligible residents, according to weekly data released by the state. The percentage over 12-15-year-olds vaccinated rose from 78% to 80% over the past week, while more than 95% of 16-19-year-olds in Natick have been fully vaxxed.

This all bodes well as Natick Public Schools ready to reopen at the start of September, with new testing plans in place.

Now 74% of Natick’s population has been fully vaccinated, but that includes those under the age of 12 who are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.

More than 26,600 of about 31,000 Natick residents eligible for the vaccine have now been fully vaccinated, and the state has surpassed 4.4 million fully vaccinated against the disease. More than 100 Natick residents joined the ranks of fully vaccinated over the past week.

Natick this month instituted a face covering mandate for those working at and visiting town buildings.