The Exemption Challenge

A Strategic Roadmap for Bibb County Public Health

The Current Landscape

Bibb County tells a story of Early Protection, Procedural Barriers. While our toddler immunization rates are commendable—with 90.0% of toddlers receiving their MMR—protection levels fall drastically by school entry.

The Kindergarten Up-To-Date rate sits at a critical 78.3%. Unlike counties driven primarily by refusals, Bibb faces a unique dual challenge: an 8.8% Religious Exemption rate, compounded by a massive 12.9% of students simply listed as "Not Up-To-Date"—indicating that access and paperwork hurdles are currently a bigger barrier than hesitancy.

Map of Bibb County
Measles Risk by Zip Code
0% Kindergarten Rate
Target: 95% (Action Needed)
0% Not Up-To-Date
Major Admin/Access Gap
0% Religious Exemptions
Monitoring Required
0% Toddler MMR Rate
Strong Early Protection
0% Toddler DTaP Rate
Strong Early Protection
0% Childcare Certificates
Kids in Care System

Strategic Recommendations

1. Targeting the "Not Up-To-Date" Gap

With 12.9% of students simply missing requirements (surpassing the exemption rate), the primary issue is logistical.

Access
Deploy mobile "catch-up" clinics specifically for families who are missing final boosters or physical paperwork.
Streamlining
Work with registrars to flag "Not Up-To-Date" files early to prevent clerical non-compliance.
2. Closing the School-Entry Drop-Off

Toddlers are nearly 91% vaccinated, but Kindergartners drop to 78%. We need to stop this slide between ages 4 and 6.

Process
Implement "Pre-K Checks" to identify missing boosters a full year before kindergarten registration.
3. Sustaining Early Success

Our toddler numbers are a strength. We must support the providers achieving these 90%+ rates.

Support
Recognize and reward pediatric practices that maintain high toddler coverage to prevent burnout.
4. Driving Policy Change

Sustainable improvement requires a supportive policy environment that prioritizes student health.

Advocacy
Provide policy analysis on vaccine requirements and encourage advocacy.
Contact State Elected Officials Contact School Board Officials