A decline in child vaccines was the main topic for the Ohio Department of Health’s latest conference.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff says the percentage of kindergarteners meeting all vaccine requirements in the 2023/2024 school term was at 85.4% compared to 89% at the start of the 2019 school term.
“That means that thousands few incoming kindergarteners are protected against the range of disease these vaccines prevent. Vaccines have proven over time to be safe and effective.”
Vanderhoff says there are a few vaccines required to attend school in Ohio.
“For those entering kindergarten must have received the measles, mumps, and rubella, the DTaP vaccine, and vaccines for polio, chicken pox, and hepatitis B.”
Boosters and a few new vaccines are required for students entering 7th grade, like tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and meningococcal vaccine. A final booster for meningococcal vaccine is required for 12th grade students.
Adult and children vaccine appointments can be made through the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
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