Immunizations are important.  One might say that they are vital to the health of all, and not just on an individual level.  Immunizations help to prevent the spread of disease across communities, states, even entire nations.

So why aren't people getting vaccinated?

The simple answer - fear.  Fear of what a vaccine might cause.  Most of you have probably heard about this debate, even if you haven't actively participated.  How did you hear about it?  The news?  Individual accounts?  Your mailman?  We are fairly confident that you didn't hear about it from your doctor.  Why?  Because vaccines save lives.  We have decades' worth of evidence that proves this.

So how did this debate begin?  We traced part of it to a report released in 1998 that erroneously linked the MMR vaccination to autism.  The report has since been discredited and new research of autism has shown that its origins are far more complicated.  For more information, read the Mayo Clinic's report on autism found HERE.  Word of mouth, a useful but also dangerous tool, then got the ball rolling.  The media picked it up, as they so often do, and used vague references and open-ended questions to keep it moving.

We are not suggesting that the media is to blame or that they did anything wrong.  They simply did what they always do - report on what is news.  Instead, we want you to reconsider how you learned this information.  What research was done to support it?  Was that research replicated?

And, most importantly, are you willing to take the risk of your child getting a preventable, potentially life-threatening, disease because you chose not to vaccinate them?  What about your grandkids?  Vaccination now means potentially eliminating diseases for future generations.

Imagine a world without measles, mumps, and rubella.  Imagine a world without disease.

Think it's a dream?  We've already eliminated small pox through the use of vaccinations.  Why, then, is it so difficult to imagine a world without other diseases?

Don't Believe They Are Necessary Anymore?

In 2017, we had a widespread outbreak of mumps here in Washington with over 800 cases total.  Of these, 313 cases were reported in King county ... and 333 cases reported here in Spokane county.  That's over a third of all cases in the state happening right here in our backyard.

And mumps aren't the only threat.  Recent outbreaks of measles across the world, including here in Washington, should show just how important it is to be sure your child is vaccinated for everyone's safety.

For more information on the vaccinations, what they treat, the diseases symptoms, and more, click below.  Print the PDF for your records and share with friends and family to help raise awareness of these illnesses and how they can be prevented.

Current Immunization Schedules

Below are the current immunization schedules for children and adults.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.  Keep in mind, most immunizations that are missed or fall behind can be caught up, so don't delay and contact your provider about what you should do now.

If you're not sure if you've missed a vaccination, or are behind, you can access that information through Washington State's website for Immunization records.