The Immunization Assessment and Promotion (IAP) program at Spokane Regional Health District provides scientifically sound, evidence-based information and services to the community about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Program activities help guide community efforts to increase the number of people choosing to get vaccinated, reduce vaccine-preventable diseases through community immunity (herd immunity) and protect vulnerable community members who can’t be vaccinated due to medical conditions.
The program works closely with many community partners to achieve these goals. Partners include pediatric and family practice medical offices, pharmacies, school districts, non-profit organizations like Within Reach, and students and professors at Washington State University, Gonzaga University and University of Washington.
The IAP Program administers the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program, which provides childhood immunizations free to all children ages 0-18 years, through enrolled healthcare providers in Spokane, Lincoln, Adams, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties
IAP activities are funded by federal (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)), state (Foundational Public Health Services) and local dollars. Granting organizations like the Group Health Foundation provide added funding when available through competitive grant opportunities.
Spokane County School Immunization Data Reports (2016)
82.7%of K-12 students completed school-required vaccines
Spokane County vaccinates!
Parents and caregivers immunize their children and youth to protect them from vaccine-preventable disease.
PBS Nova, 2015
1 in a millionThe odds of having a life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine
You are more likely to get struck by lightning (1 in 12,000) than have a life-threatening reaction to a vaccine!
You are more likely to get struck by lightning (1 in 12,000) than have a life-threatening reaction to a vaccine!
- If you believe you or someone in your family or care has reacted to a vaccination, please contact your healthcare provider first.
- Make sure your doctor completes a VAERS report (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System)
- You can also report the adverse event using the VAERS online form or the new downloadable PDF
Washington State Immunization Information System (IIS) (2018)
61%Spokane County children aged 19-35 months immunization rates
Immunization rates
Immunization rates help determine a population’s level of protection from vaccine preventable disease. The immunization rates among young children (19 –35 months) are improving in Spokane county! However, four in ten children remain under immunized for their age.
What can the community do?
- Encourage everyone in your family to get vaccinated
- Practice strategies for effective communication between healthcare personnel, parents and peers
- Keep records of your immunizations, and obtain personal immunization record access to the Washington State Immunization Information System (IIS) registry through MyIR
- Patients and parents are encouraged to ask questions and talk with healthcare providers about vaccines
- Make sure you are up-to-date on your immunizations each time you visit your healthcare provider or pharmacy. Healthcare provider offices and pharmacies should enroll in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program
Follow the links below to learn more about population immunization rates.
Washington State Immunization Information System (IIS)
9 millionindividuals with 80 million immunizations recorded in the IIS
Accessing your immunization records
- The IIS serves as a lifetime immunization record for all Washington residents.
- Birth record and all other data is automatically added to IIS for all children born in Washington since 1996.
- A physician or pharmacist must create a record for individuals who do not have one, including individuals who have moved from another state.
- You never have to worry about losing paper immunization records.
- You can access immunization records for yourself and your family through MyIR any time you need them.
- You can also print your child’s Certificate of Immunization Status required for school and child care entry in Washington State directly from your MyIR account. MyIR is a free service through the Washington State Department of Health. Register today!
Immunization Outreach for Healthcare Providers
Content designed specifically for healthcare providers regarding immunization outreach and vaccine accountability.