Vaccination rates for both the flu and COVID-19 in Washington state have decreased significantly compared to previous years, raising concerns among healthcare professionals. According to the state Department of Health, around **22% fewer doses** of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered as of early December 2024, totaling just over **1 million** shots. This marks a stark decline from nearly **1.3 million** doses given within the same timeframe last year and the year before, and more than **2 million** doses by this point in the season in **2022**.
Flu vaccinations are also lagging, with approximately **6% fewer doses** given this year, totaling around **1.9 million** compared to nearly **2 million** by December 6, 2023. The reasons behind this decline remain unclear, and healthcare providers are apprehensive about the potential impact on public health as respiratory viruses spread during the winter months.
Healthcare Providers Express Concern
Doctors are increasingly worried about the implications of these vaccination trends. Dr. Frank Bell, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at **Providence Swedish**, stated, “I don’t know anyone who isn’t worried.” He highlighted the ongoing struggle to communicate the importance of vaccinations, especially as the narrative surrounding them has grown more complicated.
The **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention** (CDC) modified its guidance in October 2024, encouraging individuals to make personal decisions about COVID-19 vaccinations rather than issuing broad recommendations. This shift has contributed to a perceived decrease in demand for updated COVID-19 vaccines; the number of residents seeking vaccinations has dropped by about **8 percentage points** since 2022. Last season, approximately **19%** of residents over six months, equating to around **1.4 million** people, received an updated shot.
Challenges further arose when the CDC’s new guidelines led to delays in federal vaccine orders and confusion over eligibility, impacting access to COVID-19 vaccinations. Although Washington state permits practitioners to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone aged six months and older without a prescription, many residents experienced difficulties scheduling appointments or were incorrectly informed of their ineligibility.
Current Vaccination Landscape
Despite the setbacks, Janel Jorgenson, who oversees vaccine orders at the Washington Department of Health, noted that the situation has improved: “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.” However, the decline in vaccination numbers suggests that prior obstacles and mixed messaging still have lingering effects.
Bell remarked on the challenges posed by the prevailing narrative that downplays the necessity of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for younger populations. Major medical organizations, such as the **American Academy of Pediatrics** and the **American Academy of Family Physicians**, continue to advocate for COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals aged six months and older to prevent severe illness and death.
As of April 2024, COVID-19 has claimed around **18,000 lives** in Washington state since February 2020, with nationwide deaths exceeding **1.2 million** and over **7 million** globally.
In addition to COVID-19, there is growing concern regarding the flu season. Last winter was notably severe, with the CDC reporting over **200 children** who succumbed to the flu. In Washington, epidemiologists recorded more than **500 flu-related deaths**, primarily among those aged **65 and older**. The previous deadliest flu season occurred in **2017-2018**, resulting in **296 deaths**.
Dr. Francis Mercado, associate chief medical officer for medical specialties at **Virginia Mason Franciscan Health**, noted that while this year’s flu season has started slowly in the U.S., early outbreaks have already been reported in countries like England and Japan. “We are anticipating a challenging flu season again this year and continue to monitor COVID-19 cases,” he stated.
Jenny Arnold, CEO of the **Washington State Pharmacy Association**, observed that early in the season, many pharmacies experienced a high demand for both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. However, this demand has since declined more rapidly than in previous years. She noted that requests for vaccinations vary significantly across the state, with some areas experiencing a lack of interest.
The Department of Health reported that weekly vaccine administration peaked in the second week of October but has generally declined since then, aside from a brief uptick following Thanksgiving. Despite the overall low uptake of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, there has been an increase in the administration of monoclonal antibody doses for **Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)**, with about **13% more doses** given this season compared to last year.
Healthcare providers recommend RSV antibody shots for babies between October and March, while the RSV vaccine for pregnant individuals should be administered between September and January. Community health centers, pharmacies, and clinics throughout Washington are offering updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
Dr. Bell emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “Now’s the time. It’s not too late.” With vaccination rates currently lagging, healthcare professionals are urging the public to consider their options and prioritize their health as winter approaches.
