Too few Seattle-area kids are vaccinated, officials warn

King County public health officials are urging families to vaccinate their kids before a new school year starts in the coming weeks, citing low immunization rates among Seattle-area children.

Why it matters: Only 92% of incoming kindergartners in King County last year were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella — about 3 percentage points below what the CDC estimates is necessary to ensure herd immunity, public health officials said this week.

What they're saying: "We are able to protect our children and community from serious illnesses because of childhood vaccinations," Eric Chow, the county health department's lead immunization official, said in a news release.

• He cited routine vaccines' power to prevent diseases like childhood measles, polio and whooping cough.

By the numbers: Vaccination rates among young children dipped after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the state health department said.

• In the 2019–20 school year, 92% of incoming kindergartners in King County were up to date on their required vaccinations, per state data.
• Last year, the rate was only 88%.

State of play: Public health officials are promoting free vaccination events this month in South King County.

• Families can also get free or low-cost vaccinations through health care providers that take part in the state's childhood vaccine program.