Vaccination rates for both flu and COVID-19 in Washington state have dropped significantly this season compared to previous years. According to data from the Washington State Department of Health, as of early December 2024, about 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, marking a 22% decrease from the same period last year. In 2022, over 2 million doses had already been given by this time. Flu vaccinations also show a decline, with approximately 1.9 million doses administered, which is around 6% less than last year’s figures.
The reasons behind this decline remain unclear, and health officials are concerned about the potential consequences. With the holiday season approaching, there is hope that more individuals will seek vaccinations to protect themselves during increased travel and large gatherings. Yet, the discourse surrounding vaccines has intensified in recent months, leading to apprehension among healthcare providers about the possible rise in disease, sickness, and mortality this winter.
Dr. Frank Bell, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Providence Swedish, expressed concern, stating, “I don’t know anyone who isn’t worried.” He highlighted the ongoing struggle to effectively communicate the importance of vaccination, especially with mixed messages coming from federal health authorities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance in October, encouraging individuals to make their own decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations instead of issuing firm recommendations. This shift appears to have contributed to a decline in demand for updated COVID vaccines, which have seen an 8 percentage point drop in uptake since 2022. Last year, approximately 1.4 million Washington residents received an updated COVID shot, while this year’s figures so far are concerning.
Challenges in vaccine distribution have further complicated the situation. Following the CDC’s new guidelines, there were delays in federal vaccine orders and confusion surrounding eligibility, leading to issues for some individuals looking to receive their shots. Janel Jorgenson, who manages vaccine orders at the health department, noted, “At this point, it has smoothed out. If you want a COVID vaccine, you should be able to obtain one anywhere in Washington without any hurdles.”
Despite improvements in the distribution process, the recent figures indicate that these obstacles may have already taken a toll. Dr. Bell remarked on the difficulty of countering negative messaging about the necessity of the COVID vaccine, stating, “To say no one needs the COVID vaccine unless you’re 65 or about to die — that’s a hard message to counter.”
Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, continue to recommend that individuals aged six months and older receive updated COVID vaccines to prevent severe illness and death. The West Coast Health Alliance, a multistate public health coalition, also supports annual COVID vaccinations for most individuals.
In Washington, more than 18,000 people have died from COVID-19 since February 2020, while the national death toll exceeds 1.2 million. Last season, the flu caused over 500 deaths in Washington, primarily among those aged 65 and older, raising alarms about the potential impact of this year’s low vaccination rates.
Concerns extend to the flu vaccine uptake as well. Dr. Bell highlighted the particularly severe flu season last winter, which saw the highest hospitalization rates in 15 years. The CDC reported that more than 200 children died from the flu last season. The upcoming flu season is predicted to be challenging, especially with early outbreaks reported in countries like England and Japan.
While vaccination for COVID-19 has slowed, there is a slight increase in RSV vaccinations this season. Washington state has seen about 13% more RSV monoclonal antibody doses administered compared to this time last year, indicating a positive trend in immunization against respiratory syncytial virus.
Pharmacies, health providers, and community health centers across Washington are actively offering updated COVID and flu vaccines. As Dr. Bell emphasizes, “Now’s the time. It’s not too late.” With the holiday season approaching, health officials hope that residents will take the opportunity to protect themselves and their communities from these respiratory illnesses.
