Local measles vaccination rates remain high, though below pre-pandemic levels

Vaccination rates against measles among kindergarten students on the Kitsap Peninsula are reported to be above 90%, although these figures have seen a decline since the onset of the pandemic. Bremerton School District stands out with only 82% of its kindergartners vaccinated during the 2023-24 school year and a significant number of students out of compliance regarding immunization. Public health experts, including Dr. Gib Morrow, warn about the contagious nature of measles and the serious health risks posed to unvaccinated children, particularly in school settings. The article references recent national data, noting 164 measles cases in the U.

S. as of March 2025, with one fatality reported, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. Washington state law prohibits exemptions for the MMR vaccine for personal reasons, allowing only religious or medical exemptions, which underscores the importance of community-wide vaccination efforts. Local health services are actively collaborating with families to ensure that students meet immunization requirements and maintain accurate vaccination records. The decline in vaccination rates across various districts, including a 3.

2% drop statewide, raises concerns about potential outbreaks. As health officials continue to prioritize immunization, the community's commitment to vaccination remains crucial for protecting public health.