For immediate release: September 4, 2008 (08-147)

Contacts:
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4077
Michele Roberts, Immunization Program CHILD Profile 360-236-3720

Immunization rates in Washington decrease slightly

Concern that children may be at risk for disease

OLYMPIA ¾ After several years of gains, childhood immunization rates in Washington have dipped slightly according to the latest National Immunization Survey. This may mean more children are at risk of illness from potentially serious diseases.

“Childhood immunizations are the best way to prevent many diseases, some of which have no cure or treatment,” said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “We’ve made good progress in the past five years, yet this survey shows we’ve got more to do to protect children, and we take that very seriously.”

The 2007 National Immunization Survey shows that 69 percent of Washington children aged 19-35 months have a complete vaccination series, down from 71 percent in 2006. Our state rate is still up significantly from 2002 when about 52 percent of children received the complete vaccination series. Washington’s rate remains behind the national average of 77 percent and the state and national goal of 80 percent coverage for the vaccination series. The series consists of six vaccines, some requiring multiple doses. A child must have all the doses to be included in the series rate. For example, states get no credit for a child that has received three of the four DTaP shots in that series.

There were increases among some specific vaccines in Washington, including those that protect against measles, mumps, and rubella; chickenpox; and Pneumococcal disease. Some of the older tried and true vaccines had decreases, including polio; hepatitis B; and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). The state continues to promote the importance of ensuring that children are fully immunized on time for the best protection; missing or delaying even one vaccine leaves children at risk for disease.

As international travel becomes more common, so has the number of vaccine-preventable diseases being imported into the U.S. You no longer have to travel to be exposed — you may be exposed by foreign visitors or Americans returning from abroad. There have been outbreaks of measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough in Washington and throughout the U.S. this year.

“These are serious diseases, and we must treat them that way,” Selecky said. “These recent outbreaks are a reminder of the importance of making sure kids are fully immunized. Many of the illnesses this year were in unvaccinated children.”

The Department of Health provides vaccines at no cost to healthcare providers for children under 19 years old; providers may charge an office and/or administrative fee. The immunization schedule is complex and can make it 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 or 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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