WA Launches New Flu Vaccination Dashboard

OLYMPIA, WA — The state Department of Health launched a new online tool this week designed to give Washingtonians an easy way to see flu vaccination rates and how they compare to prior seasons. The new dashboard is the first public-facing data portal for flu vaccinations and shows the number of doses administered in a given season and the portion of the population with at least one dose.

The data reflects only what is in the Washington State Immunization Information System, reported by most major providers and health care systems. The dashboard is scheduled for weekly updates every year, between Sept. 1 and April 30.

State health officials said flu vaccination rates have declined in recent years. The dashboard's most recent data show nearly 32 percent of eligible residents with a shot this year, with uptake down about 10 percent for the current week from the three-season average.

The data is available by both state and region, showing flu shot coverage is highest in Jefferson and King counties at 40 or more percent.

"Flu vaccination coverage has been trending lower over the last three years," officials wrote Tuesday. "Getting a flu vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent flu and flu-related complications, in addition to reducing disease transmission in the community. Everyone six months and older who is eligible to receive a flu vaccine should do so. The vaccine is widely available in provider offices, community clinics, and pharmacies."

After an early start to the flu season, the state's most recent report found influenza activity minimal at the start of February. DOH has confirmed 210 lab-confirmed flu deaths in Washington since the season began, including four children.