The Exemption Challenge

A Strategic Roadmap for Cherokee County Public Health

The Current Landscape

Cherokee County tells a story of Strong Start, Late Drop. While our toddler immunization rates are commendable—with 93.5% of toddlers receiving their MMR—protection levels fall significantly by school entry. The Kindergarten Up-To-Date rate sits at 83.81%, well below the 95% target, driven largely by a high Religious Exemption rate of 12.67%.

Measles Risk by Zip Code

Measles Risk. Data for mapping from collaboration between Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. Map Design by ABC owned TV stations data team.

0% Kindergarten Rate
Target: 95% (Below Goal)
0% Religious Exemptions
High Priority Concern
0% Toddler MMR Rate
Strong Early Protection
0% Toddler DTaP Rate
Solid Coverage (19-35 Mos)
0% Childcare Certificates
Kids in Care System

Strategic Recommendations

1. Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

With a 12.67% exemption rate, logistic solutions alone won't suffice. We must address the root causes of hesitancy.

Education
Launch targeted info campaigns addressing specific local concerns about school-entry vaccines.
Engagement
Partner with trusted community leaders to facilitate open dialogue rather than mandates alone.
2. Closing the School-Entry Gap

Toddlers are 93% vaccinated, but Kindergartners are only 83%. We need to stop this drop-off 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