In a bid to improve childhood vaccination rates, Public Health – Seattle & King County is offering free vaccination events for children in south King County.
These events, held throughout the summer and early fall, aim to ensure that K-12 students are up to date on required vaccinations before the first day of school.
Amidst the backdrop of declining vaccination rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families are encouraged to schedule vaccination appointments with their child’s healthcare provider or attend these no-cost events. The events provide all vaccines required for school, including Tdap, DTaP, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and polio, as well as other recommended vaccines such as COVID-19, HPV, and meningococcal.
These vaccination clinics are open to children ages 0-18 living in south King County, especially those who are uninsured, experiencing homelessness, or have recently moved to the U.S. and lack a healthcare provider. Limited vaccines will also be available for uninsured adults.
“We are able to protect our children and community from serious illnesses because of childhood vaccinations,” said Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease and Immunization at Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Vaccines have made a significant impact on what used to be common, life-threatening childhood infections. To prevent diseases like childhood measles, polio, and whooping cough from coming back into our communities, we have to continue to work towards making sure a majority of children are vaccinated. Thanks to our committed community partners, we can continue to make childhood vaccinations accessible and protect the health and well-being of our children.”
According to recent data, childhood vaccination rates in King County have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Coverage among kindergarten students dropped from 92% during the 2019-20 school year to 88% in the 2022-23 school year, with 92% of incoming kindergartners vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Families are encouraged to bring vaccination records from other states or countries, and interpretation services are available upon request. Pre-registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome.
Washington State Department of Health provides a complete list of vaccinations required for K-12 school and child care.
Upcoming No-Cost Vaccination Events
The event details below are subject to change. Please check the website kingcounty.gov/findaclinic to confirm details before attending an event. Additional events will be scheduled in September and beyond.
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 8/9/24 | 3 – 6 p.m. | Highline School District: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, 98166 |
| 8/14/24 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Nelsen Middle School: 2403 Jones Ave S, Renton, WA 98055 |
| 8/15/24 | 3 – 6 p.m. | Auburn High School: 711 E Main St, Auburn, WA 98002 |
| 8/16/24 | 3 – 6 p.m. | Federal Way High School: 30611 16th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003 |
| 8/17/24 | 12 – 3 p.m. | Kent Library: 212 2nd Ave N, Kent, WA 98032 |
| 8/22/24 | 9 – 11 a.m. | Talley High School: 7800 S 132nd St, Seattle, WA 98178 |
| 8/22/24 | 12 – 3 p.m. | Dimmitt Middle School, 12320 80th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178 |
| 8/26/24 | 1 – 5 p.m. | Gildo Rey Elementary, 1005 37th St SE, Auburn, WA 98002 |
| 8/27/24 | 3 – 6 p.m. | Renton KEC Building, 300 SW 7th Street, Renton, WA 98057 |
| 8/29/24 | 4 – 6 p.m, | Washington Elementary School, 20 E St NE, Auburn, WA 98002 |
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for more than two million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. More info at www.kingcounty.gov/health,
Stay updated with the latest public health news in King County by subscribing to the department’s blog, Public Health Insider.
