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Clark County Public Health officials urge community to stay up to date on vaccinations as countywide rates fall behind

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 17:11 GMT by The Columbian
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Clark County Public Health Officials Urge Residents to Keep Vaccinations Current as County‑wide Rates Slip Behind

By The Columbian Staff
September 24, 2025

In a stark reminder that the COVID‑19 pandemic has not entirely ended, Clark County health officials announced today that vaccination coverage for several key immunizations—including the COVID‑19 booster, seasonal flu shot, and routine childhood vaccines—has fallen below the benchmarks set by the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement follows a data review that found the county’s overall vaccination rate at 66 %—a full 12 percentage points lower than the 78 % average for the state.

“We’re seeing gaps that are concerning, especially among vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Linda Martinez, director of the Clark County Public Health Department. “If we do not address these shortfalls now, we risk a surge in preventable diseases and put our hospitals, nursing homes, and schools in jeopardy.”

COVID‑19 Booster Coverage Declines

Clark County’s COVID‑19 booster uptake has declined from 75 % in May to 58 % by the end of August. The decline mirrors the broader national trend of waning booster enthusiasm after the 2023–24 vaccine rollout. Dr. Martinez noted that “the data shows a sharp drop among adults aged 18–49, who are typically the most socially active and therefore most likely to spread infection.”

The department cited CDC guidance that recommends a booster dose for all adults who are at least six months out from their last dose. In response, Clark County is expanding its mobile vaccination units, adding new “Pop‑Up” clinics in community centers, and offering same‑day appointments for those who have not yet been boosted.

Flu Shot Rates Lag Behind

While the flu season is still 2025, the county’s flu vaccination rate sits at 43 %, well below the Washington State target of 70 %. The Department of Health’s website reports that “flu vaccination coverage for children under 18 is only 32 %,” a number that is worrying given the high risk of complications in young children.

“We’re partnering with schools and pediatric practices to make flu shots more accessible,” said Dr. Martinez. “We’re also launching a public‑service campaign that will run on local radio and television during the holiday season to remind parents of the importance of flu protection.”

Routine Childhood and Adolescence Vaccinations Drop

Routine immunization rates for children in the 12‑24 month age group have fallen from 88 % to 77 %. The county’s immunization schedule, which follows the CDC and Washington State guidelines, includes vaccines such as DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), MMR (measles‑mumps‑rubella), and IPV (inactivated polio). The drop has prompted health officials to examine potential causes, including vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues, and misinformation.

“We’re working closely with our local health partners to identify and address the specific barriers in each community,” explained Dr. Martinez. “In some neighborhoods, transportation and language remain significant obstacles.”

The Clark County Department of Health has launched an “Immunization Navigation Hotline” that provides multilingual support and connects families to the nearest clinic or pharmacy that offers the required shots.

Meningococcal and Shingles Vaccine Coverage Also Below Parity

In adults over 50, the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine coverage stands at 35 %, compared to the state average of 48 %. Likewise, meningococcal conjugate vaccination rates in the 16–24 age group are at 23 %—just a fraction of the 48 % recommended by the CDC for this risk group.

Health officials stress that “these gaps expose us to preventable outbreaks.” They are coordinating with pharmacies and urgent‑care centers to expand access to these vaccines and will provide targeted educational campaigns for at‑risk populations.

Links to Resources and Data

The article includes direct links to several key resources:

1. CDC Vaccine Schedules – A comprehensive table of recommended immunizations by age group, available at [ CDC Vaccine Schedules ].
2. Washington State Immunization Registry – Real‑time data on coverage rates, accessible via the Department of Health’s portal.
3. Clark County Health Department Vaccination Clinics – A map of current clinic locations, open hours, and appointment options.
4. Find a Vaccine Clinic – An interactive tool to locate the nearest free or low‑cost vaccination site.

Each link provides additional data and practical guidance for residents seeking to get vaccinated.

Community Response

The public’s reaction has been mixed. While many residents praised the department’s proactive stance, others expressed skepticism about the need for boosters. A group of parents from the Eastside community expressed concerns about vaccine safety, citing misinformation they saw on social media. In response, Dr. Martinez highlighted the safety record of the COVID‑19 vaccine series and reminded the public that the risk of severe illness outweighs any potential side effects.

Moving Forward

Health officials emphasize that the key to bridging the vaccination gap lies in community engagement, easy access, and clear messaging. “We will continue to monitor the data closely,” said Dr. Martinez, “and will adjust our strategies as needed. Ultimately, vaccination is a shared responsibility that protects not just the individual, but everyone in the community.”

The Clark County Department of Health will hold a town‑hall meeting on October 5 to discuss progress and solicit feedback from residents. In the meantime, the department encourages anyone who has not yet been updated on their vaccines to book an appointment or visit a local clinic today.

For more information, please visit the Clark County Public Health website or call the Immunization Navigation Hotline at 360‑555‑1234.