Childhood Immunization Initiative

Immunizations are the most effective way to protect our children against many diseases, some of which have no cure or treatment. Diseases like whooping cough, measles, and diphtheria disabled or killed thousands of children every year before the widespread availability of vaccines. Children who are immunized protect themselves — as well as their own families and communities — from dangerous diseases.

Nearly one-third of the children in Washington state miss one or more recommended vaccinations. Health care providers, parents, teachers, and children's health advocates are concerned that low immunization rates are putting our children and our communities at risk.

School Exemption Rates on the Rise

These shaded maps of Washington state, broken down by county, indicate the percentage of children whose parents opt out of at least one vaccine required for school. The number of counties with a greater than 5 percent exemption rate has grown more than 500 percent over the last decade.

School exemption rates by county

Closing the Gap

How are donors helping to close the immunization gap? We know that a combination of factors influence immunization rates. With the support of Foundation donors, Group Health is building two pilot projects to explore solutions in two key areas:

Solutions to address parental hesitancy

An increasing number of parents are choosing to opt out or defer recommended vaccines for their children. In Washington state, nearly 8 percent of parents signed exemption forms for kindergarten school entry requirements for vaccinations. Many parents have serious questions about the safety of vaccines, which contributes to this trend. Group Health is crafting tools and resources for parents and health care providers so they can work together to make informed decisions to protect our children.

Vaccines for kids who fall through the cracks

Too many children are not getting immunized because they fall through the cracks of the health care system. The Foundation is working with school districts and health departments to bring vaccination clinics to schools in King, Pierce, and Spokane counties. Donors have helped get nearly 17,000 kids vaccinated since the program began in 2008.

Spotlight on Partnerships

We know that the solution to closing the immunization gap lies in the power of partnerships. We've worked with parents, health care providers, community-based organizations, health departments, and school districts from across the state to build a better understanding of the problem and to explore solutions. We've identified and convened the right partners for critical expertise, resources, and approaches that greatly expand the reach and effectiveness of our work, including the following organizations:

Seattle Children's

WithinReach

American Academy of Pediatrics: Washington Chapter

Washington State Department of Health