Closing the Gap

A Strategic Roadmap for Dade County Public Health

The Current Landscape

Dade County presents a mixed picture of protection. While the Kindergarten immunization rate is strong at 92.57%, emerging vulnerabilities require attention. Religious exemptions remain high at 5.41%. Among toddlers, we see a significant gap: while 87.5% have received their MMR series, only 77.2% are covered for DTaP, suggesting missed opportunities during routine visits.

Dade County Data Map

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% Immunization Rate
Kindergarten (Target: 95%)
0% Religious Exemptions
Rising Hesitancy Trend
0% Toddler MMR
Ages 19-35 Months
0% Toddler DTaP
Gap in Coverage

Strategic Recommendations

1. Addressing Hesitancy

The 5.41% religious exemption rate indicates a community seeking alternatives to standard mandates.

Education
Launch targeted campaigns addressing specific local concerns about vaccine safety.
Dialogue
Collaborate with local faith leaders to clarify exemption guidelines and public health goals.
2. Bridging the DTaP Gap

The 10% discrepancy between MMR (87.5%) and DTaP (77.2%) suggests incomplete multi-dose series compliance.

Access
Increase clinic availability for pediatric checks in underserved areas to ensure kids get all their doses.
3. Empowering Schools

Schools are the final checkpoint. Maintaining the 92% rate requires constant vigilance on documentation.

Support
Share best practices for communicating with parents about vaccine requirements and enrollment.
Standardize
Ensure consistent protocols for handling exemption paperwork across the district.
4. Driving Policy Change

Sustainable improvement requires a supportive policy environment that supports completion of multi-dose series.

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