Vaccination Importance in Washington State

💉 Vaccination in Washington State

Protecting Communities Through Immunization

Impact Overview

95%
Community immunity threshold needed for most diseases
 2-3M
Lives saved globally each year through vaccination
 98%
Reduction in measles cases in Washington since vaccine introduction

Key Benefits

Individual Protection

Vaccines build immunity against serious diseases before exposure occurs, providing direct protection to the vaccinated individual.

Community Immunity

High vaccination rates protect vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions.

Disease Elimination

Vaccines have successfully eliminated smallpox globally and brought polio to the brink of eradication.

Economic Benefits

Vaccination prevents costly hospitalizations and reduces overall healthcare system burden and costs.

🦠 Diseases Prevented by Vaccination

Measles Polio Whooping Cough Influenza Hepatitis B HPV Pneumonia COVID-19 Meningitis Chickenpox Tetanus Diphtheria

Washington State Requirements & Resources

School Requirements

Students must be vaccinated against specific diseases to attend school, with medical and philosophical exemptions available under state law.
Adult Vaccination Programs

Adults can receive recommended vaccines including annual flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, Tdap, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines. Most insurance plans cover preventive vaccines at no cost to patients.

Public Health Monitoring

Washington Department of Health tracks vaccination rates, investigates outbreaks, and provides guidance to healthcare providers and the public.

Access Points

Vaccines are available through healthcare providers, pharmacies, local health departments, and community health centers across all 39 counties.

💪 Take Action

Join the Washington Health Alliance for our webinar: 'Cutting Through the Noise: Vaccination's Value to Family, Community Health.' The virtual event, Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. PT, is free and open to all.