Whatcom County student vaccination rate fall below state average

Whatcom County's vaccination rates for K-12 students fell to just under 86%, below the state average of nearly 90%. This marks the lowest rate the county has experienced in five years. Blaine school district achieved the highest vaccination rates, while Nooksack Valley had the lowest. Overall, Whatcom County ranks 15th for the lowest immunization rates in Washington during the 2024-25 school year. State law requires vaccinations against measles and at least ten other diseases, although parents can claim exemptions for personal, medical, or religious reasons.

The decline in vaccination rates has persisted for five years, raising concerns among health officials. The drop reflects a broader trend affecting school immunizations across the state. Local health authorities may need to take action to address this ongoing issue and improve vaccination compliance.