The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Washington kindergarteners may be at increased risk of preventable diseases, according to data recently released by the state Department of Health.

New statewide data for the 2014-2015 school year show many kindergarteners don’t have documented vaccinations or vaccine exemptions. Although most students come to school vaccinated, the increased number of children lacking the proper documentation is a concern, especially in view of recent outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Nearly 11 percent of Washington kindergarteners don’t have up-to-date immunization information on file with their school.

Schools across the state report immunization coverage each fall to the state Department of Health. The data give a snapshot of rates at the beginning of the school year. Kindergarten is the first entry into the school system for many children, so kindergarten rates are considered the benchmark for school vaccination data. More schools turned in reports this year than in past years; however, the rate of missing immunization information increased.

Along with the continued decline in up-to-date records for kindergarteners, there has also been a slight dip in the number of students who have all required shots documented when they arrived at school in the fall. Statewide data show the figure is at about 83 percent.