MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Jeff Hodson, SHD-PIO@co.snohomish.wa.us

Health Leaders to Host Panel Discussion on Snohomish County’s Immunization Gap

EVERETT – As part of National Immunization Awareness Month, the Snohomish County Board of Health will host a timely expert panel discussion on immunization strategies and challenges. The event coincides with back-to-school vaccine drives and aims to address declining coverage and public concerns surrounding immunizations.

Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: Approximately 3:45 pm (The Board of Health meeting begins at 3 pm, with the panel discussion expected to kick off about 45 minutes later, after routine business.)
Location: Snohomish County Health Department Auditorium, 3020 Rucker Ave., Everett, or online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87098263636

Distinguished Panelists and Topics:

• Dr. John Dunn, Medical Director of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington; Member, WA Vaccine Advisory Committee: Navigating federal changes to vaccine guidance.
• Dr. Cornelius Van Niel, Clinical Director of Pediatrics, SeaMar Community Health Centers: Effective strategies for promoting vaccines in clinical settings.
• Dr. Catherine Yee, Medical Director, Western Washington Medical Group: Falling immunization coverage and the public health impact.
• Dr. Jay Cook, Former Chief Medical Officer, Providence Regional Medical Center – Everett: How low vaccination rates could strain the healthcare system.
• Ms. Chelsey Charles, Granite Falls resident: Sharing her personal experience with vaccine-preventable illness as a parent.
• Moderator: Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer, Snohomish County

This panel will offer evidence-based insights from experts and individuals with lived experience, aiming to demystify vaccine science and tackle common myths. It will also facilitate direct engagement between Board of Health members and subject-matter authorities. The Board of Health recently proclaimed August as National Immunization Awareness Month in Snohomish County.

Reporters are welcome to attend in person or virtually. Media questions can be submitted ahead of time.

In other business, the Board of Health is expected to recommend filling a Consumer of Public Health seat on the board and will be briefed on the recently concluded Community Navigator Pilot Program.

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