Summary

On or before the first day of school, K-12 students in Washington state must be up to date on required vaccinations. Childhood vaccination rates have fallen in recent years due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is the best time to get caught up! 

Families are encouraged to beat the back-to-school rush and make a vaccination appointment with their child’s healthcare provider now. In addition, upcoming no-cost events will provide all vaccines required for school as well as other recommended vaccines to children ages 0-18 living in south King County. Children can also get vaccinated at these clinics if they are uninsured, are experiencing homelessness, or recently moved to the U.S. and do not have a healthcare provider. Limited vaccines will be available for uninsured adults. 

Story 

On or before the first day of school, all K-12 students in Washington state must be up to date on required vaccinations. Families are encouraged to beat the back-to-school rush and make a vaccination appointment with their child’s healthcare provider now. 

No-cost back-to-school vaccination events 

Go-Vax Kids is collaborating with school districts and community organizations to host free back-to-school vaccination events throughout the summer and early fall. Check Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Where to Get Vaccinated in King County webpage for a list of free vaccination events, locations, and times. This webpage will be continuously updated as additional events are scheduled. 

These events are intended for children ages 0-18 living in south King County, as well as children who are uninsured, are experiencing homelessness, or who recently moved to the U.S. and do not have a healthcare provider. 

Each of these events will provide all vaccines required for K-12 school entry, including Tdap, DTaP, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and polio. They will also provide other recommended vaccines, including COVID-19 (as available), HPV, and meningococcal.  

Children do not need to be an established patient to receive free vaccinations at any of these events. Vaccinations will be available at no-cost, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Families may be asked for insurance information but won’t be charged. No one will be turned away for lack of insurance. Pre-registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome. 

Limited vaccines will be available for uninsured adults. 

Please wear short sleeves. Families are strongly encouraged to bring any vaccination records from other states or countries. Interpretation available upon request. 

Childhood vaccination rates 

Childhood vaccination rates have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Coverage among kindergarten students in King County dropped from a high of 92% during the 2019-20 school year to a low of 88% during the 2022-23 school year, and has remained at this rate over the past year. More specifically, just 92% of incoming kindergartners in King County in 2023-24 were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. This is three percentage points below the U.S. Department of Human Services’ Healthy People 2030 goal of 95%, which is commonly regarded as the vaccination rate needed to achieve herd immunity. 

“We are able to protect our children and community from serious illnesses because of childhood vaccinations,” said Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease and Immunization, Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Vaccines have made a significant impact on what used to be common, life-threatening childhood infections. To prevent diseases like childhood measles, polio, and whooping cough from coming back into our communities, we have to continue to work towards making sure a majority of children are vaccinated. Thanks to our committed community partners, we can continue to make childhood vaccinations accessible and protect the health and well-being of our children.” 

Washington State Department of Health provides a complete list of vaccinations required for K-12 school and child care. 

Upcoming no-cost vaccination events 

The event details below are subject to change. Please check the website kingcounty.gov/findaclinic to confirm details before attending an event. Additional events will be scheduled in September and beyond.