Free clinics aim to bolster childhood vaccination rates in King County

Summer has just begun and, for many, talk of the new school year may seem premature.

But public health officials in King County are keen for families to plan ahead and start thinking about getting kids up to date on the immunizations required for the start of school.

Childhood vaccination rates fell during the pandemic and still have not totally rebounded.

Although the trend is slowly reversing, there’s still a lot of work to be done to get kids back on track.

Before Covid-19 hit, about 92% of the county’s youngest school kids were vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, according to Andie Lyons, youth and childhood vaccination branch lead for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

"During the most recent school year, so 2022-23, it fell to 88%,” Lyons said.

Lyons said that data represents coverage among incoming kindergarten students, and it’s been a challenge to get rates back up for a variety of reasons.

Access to health care was disrupted during the pandemic, and now that things are more normal, many providers are experiencing high patient loads and may have long wait times.

Lyons recommends that parents make appointments with their health care providers early to ensure kids are up to date with all vaccines required for school attendance, including Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and polio.

She also urges parents to keep their kids up to date on vaccines that are recommended but not required, like the Covid-19 shots.

In addition to encouraging parents to set up vaccine appointments, the county is helping to organize free vaccine clinics throughout the summer and fall to help increase access.

The clinics are intended for kids through the age of 18 who live in South King County.

Additionally, they’re meant to serve uninsured kids from any part of the county, children experiencing homelessness, or children who recently moved to the U.S. and do not have a health care provider.

“These clinics that we’re hosting are being targeted in these areas where we know kids are already sort of facing additional challenges and barriers,” Lyons said.

Parents can find information about locations and times of the free clinics on the county’s Find a Clinic webpage.

The free events will provide all vaccines required for kids to attend school, as well as other vaccines that are recommended for children.

Vaccines will be available at no cost regardless of immigration, citizenship, or insurance status. Interpretation will be available upon request; a parent or guardian must accompany children receiving vaccines, even if they’re 18 years of age.

As a bonus, according to the county: “Every child who gets vaccinated at these clinics will receive two free tickets to a Seattle Storm home game, while supplies last.”