Childhood immunization rates are declining in Island County, lagging behind the state average.

According to information from Island County Public Health, completed, on-time vaccinations decreased by 10% for children in the 19-35 month and 4-6 year age categories from 2020 to 2025.

In 2024, 45% in the 19-35 month and 18% in the 4-6 year age categories completed their vaccine series as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedule. In comparison, these rates are much lower than the state average, which is 58% for 19-35 months and 40% for 4-6 years.

However, Public Health reported that there is a higher level of compliance when it comes to required vaccinations for school, with 83% of Island County students in grades K-12 having completed immunization status in the 2024-25 school year. Rates have remained steady over the past five years, although there was a notable decline from the 2023-24 to 2024-25 school year largely driven by one school district.

As of press time, Public Health officials could not comment on which school district currently lags behind, but a 2025 presentation from the Community Health Advisory Board identified Oak Harbor as the leader in vaccine compliance, while Coupeville had the lowest rates, according to a previous Whidbey News-Times story.

Whidbey children face several challenges when it comes to receiving their vaccinations on time. There are currently only five pharmacies on the island, and the Naval Health Clinic in Oak Harbor also has childhood vaccines available for dependents of service members who have a primary care provider at the clinic. However, pharmacies can’t always be relied on for childhood vaccines due to limited supply, insurance gaps and recent closures. Public Health reported that for some people, it is taking as long as three months to get an appointment with a provider.

Shawn Morris, director of Public Health for the county, said some kids aren’t missing their shots entirely, but they are getting them later than the recommended schedule. Public Health is taking steps to address the issue by running educational campaigns, working with providers to solve problems with access and creating a childhood vaccine program.

“Childhood vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our kids safe and healthy,” Morris said in a statement. “Ensuring every family in our community has access to life-saving vaccines is a top priority.”

A recent outbreak of measles in neighboring Snohomish County leaves unvaccinated children vulnerable to the contagious disease. Three new cases were confirmed Thursday among children in the Mukilteo School District who were exposed to a family visiting the area from South Carolina over the holidays, according to the Everett Herald. The contagious family went to multiple places in Everett, Marysville and Mukilteo and even traveled aboard the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry on Dec. 30, though Morris confirmed they did not leave the ferry or ferry terminal area to visit South Whidbey locations.

The Island County Board of Health met on Tuesday to discuss childhood vaccination rates, among other topics. Visit islandcountywa.gov to view the agenda and the meeting recording.