Childhood Immunization Rates Dropped 13 Percent Last Year In Washington State

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.