Protecting the Classic City

A Public Health Roadmap for Clarke County

The Current Landscape

Clarke County shows strong resilience with a Kindergarten Up-To-Date rate of 93.5%, nearing the 95% community immunity threshold. Unlike many neighboring counties, religious exemptions remain low at 2.94%. However, consistent monitoring is required to maintain these levels, particularly in toddler coverage for DTaP (87.1%).

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% (Near Goal)
0% Religious Exemptions
Maintaining Stability
0% Toddler MMR Rate
Strong Early Start
0% Toddler DTaP Rate
Area for Improvement
0% Childcare Certificates
Kids in Care System

Strategic Recommendations

1. Protecting Community Immunity

With a 93.5% rate, Clarke is close to the finish line. We must focus on the 3.56% who are not up-to-date due to non-exempt reasons.

Access
Expand clinic hours during back-to-school season to assist families with non-medical barriers.
2. Strengthening Toddler DTaP

Toddler DTaP rates (87.1%) lag behind MMR. Ensuring the full 4-dose series is completed is vital for whooping cough prevention.

Process
Implement automated reminder systems for the 4th DTaP dose, often missed between 15-18 months.
3. Childcare Provider Support

With 28.5% of children in the childcare system, these centers are our first line of defense.

Outreach
Provide simplified immunization reporting toolkits to local Athens-Clarke childcare directors.
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