Department outlines immunization roadmap as Lewis County reports lower kindergarten vaccination rates

Department of Health staff and the Board’s Secretary’s Designee, Michael Ellsworth, briefed the Washington State Board of Health on a developing 4-year immunization roadmap and other agency priorities during the March 12 meeting. Ellsworth said the roadmap aims to sustain vaccine access and confidence and could be finalized by June for potential budget consideration. He noted SHB 2242 passed this session, authorizing the Secretary of Health to issue Washington-specific immunization recommendations and requiring health plans to cover vaccines recommended by the Department; the law does not mandate vaccination.

Ellsworth also described efforts to streamline data‑sharing agreements, plan an AI governance framework for analytics, and launch the West Coast Health Alliance with California, Oregon and Hawaii. He summarized fiscal challenges from the legislative session and funding restorations for reproductive health and 988 crisis lines.

Separately, Joe Wiley, Lewis County Public Health Officer, presented kindergarten vaccination data showing rates below state averages and described parental concerns about vaccine schedules, spacing, selective vaccination and distrust of incentive programs. Wiley asked, “How do we address this lack of trust?” Board members discussed value‑based payment incentives and trust-building with primary care clinicians; Member Browning noted that outbreaks, such as pertussis, have in the past prompted parents to vaccinate to avoid school exclusion.

Ellsworth said the Department is monitoring federal litigation on vaccine policy and will continue outreach; the Board thanked Wiley for the local perspective.