SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane health officials worry the county could see measles cases as vaccination rates fall below those in areas already experiencing outbreaks.
Spokane Regional Health District most recent data shows only 69% of children aged 4 to 6 in Spokane County are currently vaccinated against measles. This falls far short of the 95% vaccination rate experts recommend.
“Right now we’re seeing a lot more cases than we have in a long time,” said Kayla Myers, Immunization Program Coordinator at the Spokane Regional Health District.
The World Health Organization has warned that the risk of measles is high in the United States. An outbreak spanning Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma has reached nearly 800 cases, accounting for most of the total measles cases reported this year. Nearly 100 people were hospitalized, and three people died. None of them were vaccinated.
Last school year, data from the Washington Department of Health reported 86% of Spokane County kindergartners were vaccinated against measles—6% lower than King County, where Washington’s measles cases have been concentrated. The Spokane Regional Health District reports that this year’s rates are even lower.
Health officials warn that if there is exposure in the Spokane area, the region will likely see more cases than King County, which has five reported so far.
Spokane County has seen more unvaccinated kindergartners entering school over the past five years. Health professionals call this decline “vaccine fatigue” following the pandemic.
Dr. Mike Barsotti, Chief Administrative Officer at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, said, “I think everybody really wants to do what’s best for the kids. How we define best is really what the difference comes in. And vaccine is a very simple way to prevent measles, and keep your kid from long term harm.”
Measles is highly contagious and can cause lifelong symptoms or death. It also does not have a cure. CDC reports 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will get the disease.
While the CDC stated measles was eliminated from the United States in 2000, lower vaccination rates have led to its return. In Washington, immunization rates have seen a continued decline since the pandemic.
Meyers noted that Spokane’s vaccination rates have always been lower than western Washington, but current levels are unprecedented.
“I haven’t really seen them this low, especially the 4-to-6-year-olds that are supposed to be getting ready for kindergarten. And they’re sitting pretty low as of December. So, it’s just concerning,” Meyers said.
Children are recommended to get their first dose of the measles vaccine between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between four and six years old. Measles spreads fast and can be contagious before a child notices symptoms.
If vaccination rates don’t improve, Meyers warned, “We will probably see more cases than King County, who has a little bit higher vaccination rate.”
Meyers reported there has been a slight increase in vaccination rates over the past six months.
Parents who suspect their child might have measles should call their doctor immediately rather than going to the emergency room or urgent care, which could risk a severe outbreak.
To check your family’s immunization records go here.
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