LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Funding for vaccines in Whidbey schools is important

Editor, I received a notice from the Washington State Department of Health regarding trends in vaccination for kindergarteners at South Whidbey Schools over the past few years. The number of children enrolled has gone up over the last three years, and the percentage of children receiving full vaccination for age has continued to climb from 50 percent to 83 percent over 3 years. The state goal is a 95-percent completion rate.

August 30, 2016 5:55 pm

Editor,

I received a notice from the Washington State Department of Health regarding trends in vaccination for kindergarteners at South Whidbey Schools over the past few years. The number of children enrolled has gone up over the last three years, and the percentage of children receiving full vaccination for age has continued to climb from 50 percent to 83 percent over 3 years. The state goal is a 95-percent completion rate.

The numbers on Whidbey reflect an increase in the belief that vaccines prevent serious illness and contagious outbreaks in the community. The number of children hospitalized for serious infections remains extremely low for preventable illness. Side effects from vaccines continue to be very low and transient.

“Back to school” time is busy for those charged with managing vaccine coverage and communicating with state databases. Congratulations to school personnel, public health officials and staff for continuing to support and provide for the health of Whidbey children. It is important to continue the funding and systems that keep this process working well.

ROBERT WAGNER, MD

Freeland