Time for back-to-school immunizations is now

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health is urging parents to make sure their kids’ immunizations are up-to-date before heading back to school this fall.

“Summer is a busy time, and immunizations are often overlooked. Vaccines are critical protection for our children and help keep other kids around them safe from many diseases such as whooping cough and measles,” said State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy.

Last school year, 85 percent of kindergartners had all their required immunizations. However, the number of kids with exemptions from recommended immunizations remained steady at 4....