New school data from the state Department of Health shows differing rates of immunization for K-12 students across Kitsap County for the 2024-2025 school year.
The school districts with the highest complete immunization rates for K-12 students are: Central Kitsap (94%), South Kitsap (93.9%), Bainbridge Island (93.1%), North Kitsap (84.3%) and Bremerton (83.8%).
In comparison, DOH reported the average statewide immunization rate at 89.6%.
Required vaccinations for K-12 students include: DtaP/Tdap, Hepatitis B, MMR, Polio and Varicella, more commonly known as chickenpox. Both Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations are encouraged but not required, per DOH. No Kitsap school district requires additional immunization beyond the state-mandated requirements.
DOH breaks down immunization status into four categories: complete, conditional, out of compliance and exempt. Students in Washington are required to complete certain vaccinations or have an approved exemption before attending school, DOH says.
In 2024, DOH reported an increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases as well as a decline in DtaP vaccinations since 2019, per a press release.
Liz Davis, program manager for immunizations and general communicable diseases for the Kitsap Public Health District, discussed some of the community health impacts of immunization rates and how KPHD supports vaccination efforts countywide.
KPHD provides a childhood vaccine program that aims to ensure access to low- or no-cost vaccines for children under age 19 in Washington, regardless of insurance coverage, she said. The health agency also leads a local response to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks or cases that may arise, which includes conducting case and contact investigations.
“We issue notifications to impacted community members and facilities, and we would also be involved in coordinating any sort of pre- or post-exposure immunizations when appropriate,” Davis said.
Regarding barriers to getting vaccinated, Davis said there are many, including getting to a place that administers vaccines, vaccine hesitancy/ misinformation, and costs of taking time off work or arranging childcare.
“They’re all concerning, because ultimately they add up to kids not being up to date with these really important immunizations that keep them safe from these illnesses. So it doesn’t matter what the barrier is. It’s a barrier. Everybody has a different situation and is impacted by barriers in different ways,” she said.
Davis said despite those barriers, KPHD is committed to continuing work with the community and healthcare partners.
“We also try to do education out in the community with folks about immunizations,” she said. “We’ve done a couple of immunization awareness campaigns, one promoting just the safety and efficacy of vaccines in general, and then another about seasonal vaccines like COVID-19 and flu, just to promote awareness.”
She said low immunization rates have short- and long-term impacts.
“Routine immunizations, they’re vital for keeping kids and communities healthy. Really it keeps kids ready to go to school, and live their lives as kiddos, and when kids aren’t up to date on vaccines, they’re at higher risk of getting sick from a wide range of vaccine-preventable diseases,” Davis said. “ A lot of these diseases have significant potential to cause severe illness and or long-term health consequences.”
For vaccine information, visit kitsappublichealth.org/imms/child
