For immediate release: March 18, 2008  (08-031)

Contacts:
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4700

Washington wins most improved award for childhood immunizations

Upward trend is encouraging challenges ahead in reaching for goal

OLYMPIA ¾ Climbing immunization rates have lead to an award for Washington as the nation’s most improved state. The award — presented yesterday at the National Immunization Conference in Atlanta — shows that more Washington children are protected from life threatening diseases than ever before.

“The hard work of parents, providers, and public health is paying off with higher childhood immunization rates in our state,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “We’re encouraged by our progress in protecting Washington children from preventable diseases. The award serves as inspiration to keep pushing for greater vaccine coverage among our state’s children.”

The award is based on data from the National Immunization Survey from 2003 to 2006 on the number of young children with complete vaccination series. A complete series includes six vaccines with a total of 15 doses. Childhood immunization rates in our state increased 15 percent from 56.2 percent to a new high of 71.2 percent in 2006. That rate is still behind the state and national goal of 80 percent coverage for the vaccination series.

“Our immunization rates are definitely headed in the right direction, yet we still have work to do to meet our goals,” said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “We must work together – immunized children protect themselves as well as their own families and communities from getting sick. The more children are vaccinated, the more everyone is protected.”

King County is also winning an award for the most improved urban area. Childhood immunization rates in King County increased 10.1 percent from 61.2 percent in 2003 to 71.3 percent in 2006.

Childhood immunizations are the most effective way to prevent many diseases, some of which have no cure or treatment. Children must be fully immunized on time for the best protection; missing or delaying even one vaccine leaves children at risk for disease.

The Department of Health provides vaccines at no cost to healthcare providers for children under age 19; providers may charge an office and/or administrative fee. Each year, more than $100-million worth of vaccine is provided through the Universal Childhood Vaccine program. As new vaccines become available, it can be difficult for parents and providers to keep track of the immunizations recommended for children. That’s why the agency also continues to educate parents about the importance of immunization and give health care providers tools, such as the CHILD Profile Immunization Registry, to improve immunization services.

Parents are urged to use their regular health care providers for child immunizations. For help finding a healthcare provider or an immunization clinic, call the local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) in your area. Information is also available by calling the Family Health hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

More information on childhood immunizations is available on the Department of Health Immunization Program Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/); CHILD Profile (www.childprofile.org/) is also available online. The National Immunization Survey (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/stats-surv/imz-coverage.htm#nis) is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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