Childrens' immunization rates are declining

OLYMPIA - Many school-age children missed recommended immunizations with pandemic school closures in 2020.

The state Department of Health did not include COVID-19 vaccinations in the recently released report.

"The decreases in pre-teen vaccine rates are especially concerning."

Fewer children ages 4 to 6 received vaccinations from 2019 to 2020. The decrease for 11-12 year olds was called "significant."

"I'm concerned about how many of our Washington kids are vulnerable to serious but preventable diseases," said Acting Assistant Secretary Michele Roberts. "We need to get children caught up now o...