school immunization exemption

Why this is important: Childhood immunizations have provided one of the greatest improvements in public health by controlling serious conditions such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Immunizing individual children also helps protect the health of those who cannot receive immunizations, such as infants or medically ill children. Childhood immunizations lower the risk of a disease circulating though the community, thus unvaccinated children are less likely to be exposed to the disease germs.

Definition: Percent of children in grades k-12 with a personal exemption from immunizations.

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health. Data available at https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/washington-tracking-network-wtn/school-immunization/dashboard. Presentation of data by Spokane Regional Health District, Data Center.