WA Department of Health

We have extended the availability of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunizations for infants through April 30 as disease activity remains elevated across the state. #RSV immunizations are typically available between October and March. This extension gives parents and caregivers additional time to protect babies who have not yet received RSV protection. Read more at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/rsv-immunizations-infants-available-additional-month-year

High school students from across Washington are invited to take part in the fifth annual Washington Tracking Network (WTN) Youth Science Contest. This competition gives students the chance to explore health and environmental data from their communities while sharpening their #science and #communication skills.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/youth-science-contest-returns-updated-washington-tracking-network-website

Measles continues to pose a serious public health concern in Washington and across the country. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed 26 #measles cases across four counties this year, marking an increase from the three cases reported in a single county January 16.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/measles-remains-growing-concern-washington-us-surpasses-1100-cases-2026

New data from Washington’s Child Wellness Survey (CWS) shows that families with young children across the state demonstrate strong resilience and problem-solving skills, even as many continue to face challenges meeting basic needs such as housing, food, childcare, and transportation.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/statewide-child-wellness-survey-shows-washington-families-are-resilient-face-barriers-basic-needs

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) endorses the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, as do professional medical and health organizations representing more than one million health care providers, reflecting a broad consensus on the safety and benefits of the recommended #immunizations

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/west-coast-health-alliance-endorses-2026-aap-child-and-adolescent-immunization-schedule

Two of the three regional blood banks serving Washington state are facing a severe #blood shortage due to the lingering effects from heavy rains and floods in December, combined with a slowdown in donations. The shortage is especially bad for Type O blood and platelets, which are in high demand for emergency treatments, surgeries, and other life-saving procedures.

More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/code-red-declared-dangerously-low-blood-supply-affects-hospitals-and-emergency-centers

We confirmed a measles outbreak in Snohomish County – the first in the state since 2023 – with three unvaccinated children ages 23 months to 9 years testing positive for the highly contagious disease.

The #outbreak comes as measles cases are rising across the United States, with multiple states reporting increased activity. Remember, the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and your best protection against #measles.

More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-confirms-its-first-measles-outbreak-2023

The Washington State Department of Health is calling on young artists across the Pacific Northwest to put their creativity to work in the 2026 Northwest Radon Poster Contest. The annual contest is held during Radon Action Month and helps students learn about #radon and why it can be harmful to health. https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/students-invited-participate-annual-northwest-radon-poster-contest

People across Washington now have an easier way to get help for opioid use disorder. We are partnering with the University of Washington (UW) to expand the Washington Telebuprenorphine (Telebupe) Hotline statewide. Washington residents can now access same-day medical treatment via phone or video no matter where they live in the state by calling 206-289-0287. #Opioid #Telebupe

More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-state-expands-same-day-support-opioid-use-disorder

On January 5, 2026, the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed a decision memorandum to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely recommended for all U.S. children. This decision did not follow established procedure for #vaccine policy recommendations and threatens an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases in children nationwide. Children getting sick from the diseases prevented by recommended #immunizations leads to missed school for children, missed work for parents, and even hospitalization and death in some children. https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/west-coast-health-alliance-continues-recommend-vaccination-alignment-american-academy-pediatrics-aap

Vaccines save lives. Childhood immunizations prevent serious illness, hospitalization, long-term complications, and death. They also help stop the spread of disease in families, schools, and communities. #vaccines #immunizations

More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-state-department-health-statement-federal-changes-childhood-vaccine-recommendations

Communities across #Washington continue to cope with the effects of recent #flooding and severe storms, with additional hazardous weather expected this week. Families have been displaced, access to services disrupted, and recovery efforts continue in many parts of the state. The National Weather Service forecasts blizzard-like conditions for much of the state tonight, creating additional risks to health and safety and likely to cause power outages.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/severe-storms-and-cold-windy-weather-threaten-health-across-washington

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly supports that #hepatitisB vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose of the vaccine given within 24 hours of birth for newborns weighing at least 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 7 ounces), followed by completion of the vaccine series. This recommendation aligns with trusted national medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/west-coast-health-alliance-wa-doh-and-leading-national-medical-organizations-continue-recommend

#Maternal deaths in Washington rose between 2021-2022, and most pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, according to the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) new Maternal Mortality Review Panel (MMRP) Report. Behavioral health-related deaths – including #suicide, #homicide, and accidental #overdose – accounted for nearly half of all pregnancy-related deaths. #covid19 was the second leading cause. The report includes recommendations to address the root causes and systemic gaps behind these deaths.

More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/department-health-releases-2025-maternal-mortality-review-panel-report

The West Coast Health Alliance continues to strongly recommend vaccines to protect our children, noting that rigorous research of millions of people in multiple countries over decades provides high quality evidence that #vaccines are not linked to #autism. The Alliance is deeply concerned about inaccurate claims to the contrary recently posted on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/west-coast-health-alliance-stands-scientific-evidence-vaccines-are-not-linked-autism

A Grays Harbor County resident who was undergoing treatment for #H5N5 avian influenza died today. The Washington State Department of Health offers its heartfelt condolences to the person’s family and friends.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/grays-harbor-county-resident-dies-complications-avian-influenza

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reaffirms that vaccines are a proven, essential tool for protecting people’s health. We join health agencies and associations across the country, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Autism Science Foundation, in confirming that there is no credible scientific evidence linking #vaccines to #autism.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-state-department-health-statement-vaccine-safety-and-autism-claims

A Grays Harbor resident who was hospitalized with influenza symptoms in early November has been confirmed to have influenza A H5, a type of avian influenza. Additional testing shows the virus to be H5N5, an #AvianInfluenza virus that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DOH currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low.

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/h5n5-avian-influenza-confirmed-grays-harbor-county-resident

As respiratory virus season sets in and the holidays approach, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is reminding everyone to protect themselves against COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by getting updated vaccines for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. #covid #flu #rsv #vaccination

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/doh-shares-new-immunization-tracking-tool-urges-respiratory-vaccines-ahead-holiday-season

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has received additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), allowing the state to continue providing food benefits and supporting its currently reduced 11-member administrative team for the state’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program through mid-to-late November. This estimate is based on current WIC redemption rates. If redemption rates increase, available funding may run out sooner.

DOH continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available on our Federal Government Shutdown webpage.

https://doh.wa.gov/federal-government-shutdown