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Vaccination rates continue to drop in Clark County; Public Health hopes coalition can help

Vaccination Rates Continue to Drop in Clark County; Public Health Hopes Coalition Can Help

In Clark County, a troubling trend has persisted for several years: vaccination rates among children and adults are steadily declining, raising alarms among public health officials about the potential resurgence of preventable diseases. The latest data from the Washington State Department of Health reveals that immunization coverage for key childhood vaccines, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), has fallen below the critical threshold needed for herd immunity in many parts of the county. This drop, which has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic, is prompting urgent action from local authorities who are pinning their hopes on a newly formed coalition to reverse the slide.

The numbers paint a stark picture. For kindergartners entering school in the 2024-2025 academic year, the vaccination rate for the full series of required immunizations stands at just 82%, down from 88% five years ago and well below the national average of 93%. Rates for specific vaccines are even more concerning: only 79% of children have received both doses of the MMR vaccine, compared to 92% a decade ago. Adolescent vaccination rates for vaccines like HPV and meningococcal have also dipped, with HPV coverage hovering around 65% for teens aged 13-17. Adult vaccinations, particularly for influenza and updated COVID-19 boosters, have seen similar declines, with flu shot uptake among adults over 65 dropping to 58% last season from 72% pre-pandemic.

Public health experts attribute this downward trajectory to a confluence of factors. Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation on social media and lingering doubts from the COVID-19 era, plays a significant role. "We've seen a rise in parents questioning the safety and necessity of vaccines, often influenced by online narratives that aren't based in science," said Dr. Elena Ramirez, Clark County's public health officer. "The pandemic amplified fears, and now we're dealing with the aftermath where trust in public health institutions has eroded."

Access barriers exacerbate the issue. Rural areas of Clark County, such as Battle Ground and La Center, face challenges like limited clinic hours, transportation difficulties, and a shortage of pediatricians. Economic pressures, including high healthcare costs and lack of insurance, deter some families from keeping up with vaccination schedules. Additionally, the county's diverse population includes immigrant communities where language barriers and cultural differences can hinder outreach efforts. "It's not just about convincing people; it's about making vaccines accessible and culturally sensitive," Ramirez added.

This isn't a new problem for Clark County. The region made national headlines in 2019 when a measles outbreak infected over 70 people, mostly unvaccinated children, leading to a public health emergency. That incident highlighted the county's historically low vaccination rates, particularly among homeschooling families and those opting for philosophical exemptions. Washington state law allows non-medical exemptions, and Clark County has one of the highest exemption rates in the state, with nearly 10% of kindergartners exempted last year—double the statewide average.

The consequences of declining rates are dire. Without herd immunity, which requires about 95% coverage for diseases like measles, outbreaks become more likely. Public health models predict that if rates continue to fall, Clark County could see increased cases of pertussis (whooping cough), which has already spiked in neighboring counties, or even polio, a disease once thought eradicated in the U.S. but now a global concern due to international travel. "We're playing with fire," warned Dr. Michael Chen, a pediatrician at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. "These diseases don't respect borders, and unvaccinated pockets in our community put everyone at risk, especially the immunocompromised and infants too young to be vaccinated."

In response, Clark County Public Health is launching the Immunization Equity Coalition, a collaborative effort announced this month that brings together a wide array of stakeholders. The coalition includes representatives from local school districts, healthcare providers like PeaceHealth and Kaiser Permanente, community organizations such as the NAACP and Latino advocacy groups, faith-based leaders, and even social media influencers. Funded by a mix of state grants and private donations, the initiative aims to boost vaccination rates through targeted education, improved access, and myth-busting campaigns.

One key strategy is community-based clinics. The coalition plans to host pop-up vaccination events at schools, churches, and community centers, offering free shots and on-site consultations with bilingual staff. "We're going where the people are," explained Sarah Thompson, the coalition's coordinator. "Instead of expecting families to come to us, we're bringing services to them, complete with incentives like gift cards for groceries or school supplies to encourage participation."

Education is another pillar. The coalition will roll out a multimedia campaign featuring testimonials from local parents who have experienced vaccine-preventable diseases firsthand. For instance, Maria Gonzalez, a Vancouver mother whose child contracted whooping cough in 2023, shared her story: "I delayed vaccinations because I was scared by what I read online. Now, I regret it every time I think about how sick my baby was. Vaccines save lives—don't make the same mistake." These personal narratives will be disseminated via social media, radio spots in multiple languages, and partnerships with local influencers to counter misinformation.

Schools are also getting involved. The Vancouver School District, which serves a large portion of Clark County's students, is piloting a program to integrate vaccine education into health curricula and provide reminders to parents about upcoming shots. "Education starts early," said Superintendent Mark Rivera. "By teaching kids about science-based health, we're building a generation that's informed and proactive."

Healthcare providers are stepping up too. Clinics are extending hours and offering telehealth consultations to address concerns virtually. Dr. Chen emphasized the importance of building trust: "We need to listen to parents' fears without judgment. Sometimes, it's about having that one-on-one conversation to dispel myths."

The coalition isn't without challenges. Skeptics argue that mandates, rather than voluntary coalitions, are needed to enforce higher rates. Washington eliminated personal belief exemptions for MMR in 2019 post-outbreak, but other vaccines still allow them. "A coalition is a good start, but we need stronger policies," said advocate Lisa Hartman, whose group pushes for stricter immunization laws. Funding is another hurdle; while initial grants cover the first year, sustaining the effort will require ongoing support.

Public health officials remain optimistic. "This coalition represents a holistic approach," Ramirez said. "It's not just about jabs; it's about community engagement and equity. If we can raise rates by even 5-10% in the next year, we'll be on the path to protecting our residents."

Community members have mixed reactions. Some parents, like Johnathan Mills from Camas, welcome the initiative: "I vaccinated my kids, but I know friends who haven't. If this helps educate without forcing, that's positive." Others, like anti-vaccine activist Rebecca Kline, view it skeptically: "This is just more government overreach disguised as help. Parents should have the choice."

As Clark County grapples with this public health challenge, the coalition's success could serve as a model for other regions facing similar declines. With diseases like measles making comebacks globally—over 100 cases reported in the U.S. this year alone—the stakes are high. Public health leaders stress that vaccination is a collective responsibility. "It's about safeguarding our community's future," Ramirez concluded. "Together, we can turn this around."

The effort comes at a pivotal time. National trends show vaccination rates stagnating or declining in many states, influenced by political polarization and fatigue from COVID-19 mandates. In Clark County, where the population has grown rapidly—surpassing 500,000 residents—demographic shifts add complexity. Newcomers from out of state, some from areas with lower vaccination norms, contribute to the mix.

To delve deeper, let's examine the data more closely. For diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines, coverage among kindergartners is at 84%, a 6% drop since 2020. Polio vaccine rates are slightly better at 86%, but still below optimal levels. These figures come from school immunization reports, which track compliance for enrollment. Exemptions, particularly philosophical ones, have risen 15% in the last three years, often citing concerns over vaccine ingredients or perceived risks.

Experts point to social media's role in amplifying doubts. Platforms like Facebook and TikTok host groups where unverified claims about autism links or "vaccine injuries" spread rapidly. The coalition plans to counter this with fact-checking workshops and partnerships with tech companies to flag misinformation.

On the access front, transportation remains a barrier. Clark County's public transit system, while improving, doesn't reach all rural pockets. The coalition is exploring mobile clinics—vans equipped with vaccines and staff—to serve remote areas like Yacolt and Amboy.

Cultural sensitivity is key for diverse groups. For the county's growing Hispanic population, which makes up about 12% of residents, materials in Spanish and collaborations with organizations like Consejo Hispano are essential. Similarly, outreach to Russian-speaking communities, concentrated in east Vancouver, involves translated resources and trusted community leaders.

The economic angle can't be ignored. With median household income around $75,000, pockets of poverty exist, especially in urban Vancouver. Uninsured rates are about 8%, higher than the state average. The coalition is working with Medicaid providers to ensure no-cost vaccines.

Looking ahead, the group aims to track progress through quarterly reports. Success metrics include not just raw vaccination numbers but also surveys on public attitudes toward vaccines. "We want to measure trust," Thompson said. "If we can shift perceptions, the rates will follow."

Critics, however, warn of potential backlash. Mandates during COVID-19 led to protests in Clark County, and any perceived coercion could alienate hesitant families. The coalition emphasizes voluntariness: "This is empowerment, not enforcement," Ramirez assured.

In the broader context, Clark County's struggle mirrors national debates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have dropped to 93% for 2023-2024, the lowest in years. Global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared vaccine hesitancy a top threat.

For Clark County, the coalition represents hope amid uncertainty. As summer fades and school begins, public health workers are gearing up for back-to-school vaccination drives. "Every shot counts," Dr. Chen said. "We're in this together."

Parents like Gonzalez urge action: "Don't wait for an outbreak. Protect your kids now." With concerted effort, Clark County aims to rebuild its immunization defenses, one community at a time. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The Columbian Article at:
[ https://www.columbian.com/news/2025/jul/24/vaccination-rates-continue-to-drop-in-clark-county-public-health-hopes-coalition-can-help/ ]