Even in a pandemic, kids need their shots. One epidemic at a time, please.

Washington State Department of HealthFollow

May 9 · 2 min read

One really dangerous effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the large drop in the number of immunizations given to children, both in Washington and nationally. Providers in Washington’s Childhood Vaccine Program reported that they administered 30 percent fewer vaccines to kids in March of this year compared with the same month in previous years. We’re still counting the number of vaccines given in April, but so far it looks like we’re seeing a 42 percent decrease.

This leaves children and communities at risk. Slowing or stopping access to immunizations increases the risk that we could see an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. Adding more outbreaks on top of COVID-19 not only would put more people at risk for infectious disease, but it also could overload the health care system.

It makes sense to feel nervous about taking kids to a clinic right now, but doctors’ offices have put a lot of time and effort into making sure you can get needed care safely. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or clinic about ways you can get your kids vaccinated. Read more information for parents and caregivers here.

Practice compassion

We’ve heard a lot about herd immunity lately. Herd immunity keeps our communities safe by making sure as many people as possible are immune to a disease. Making sure our kids have the shots they need is one way we take care of others and of our communities.

More information

Stay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.

Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.

Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our call center at
1–800–525–0127. Hours: 6 am-10 pm, seven days a week.

Department of Health call center: 1–800–525–0127, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week

Please check our website for the most up-to-date info on Washington’s response to COVID-19 at www.doh.wa.gov/coronavirus.