Childhood Immunization Rates Dropped 13 Percent Last Year In Washington State
May 12, 2022 3:00PM PDT
OLYMPIA, WA — A new report from the Washington Department of Health shows childhood immunization rates declined 13-percent in 2021.
The new report, compiled by DOH, compares routine childhood vaccination rates in Washington from 2021 to averages from 2015-2019. Rates were found to have declined the most in younger children, however rates in teens increased. Key findings include:
- Vaccinations decreased 9.6% in the 19–35-month age group.
- Vaccinations decreased 3.9% in the 4–6-year age group.
- Vaccinations decreased 3.6% in the 11–12-year age group.
- Vaccinations increased 1.8% in the 13–17-year age group.
Health officials are reminding parents that vaccinations are required for pre-school, kindergarten, school, or childcare this fall and scheduling well-child visits early can help make sure kids are ready.
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