The Coverage Gap

A Strategic Roadmap for DeKalb County Public Health

The DeKalb Landscape

DeKalb County faces a significant systemic engagement gap. The county has a low vaccination rate for kids in childcare, with only 40.71% of children in childcare holding certificates. While the 87.15% Kindergarten rate is higher than state averages, the 84.2% DTaP toddler rate indicates that nearly 1 in 5 children are entering their most vulnerable years without full protection.

DeKalb 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% Community Immunity
0% Childcare Certs
Critical Outreach Gap
0% Toddler MMR Rate
Met 90% Threshold
0% Toddler DTaP Rate
High Pertussis Risk
0% Not Up-To-Date
Excludes Religious Exemptions

Strategic Recommendations

1. Closing the Childcare Gap

With only 40.71% engagement in childcare certification, DeKalb is missing a vital health screening opportunity. We must bring tracking to these centers.

Engagement
Launch a "Center-to-Clinic" bridge program to increase certification rates in underserved zip codes.
2. Addressing DTaP Completion

The 84.2% DTaP rate is significantly lower than the MMR rate, suggesting a failure to complete the multi-dose series. Outreach must focus on the 4th dose.

Clinical
Implement automated provider reminders specifically for the final toddler DTaP doses.
3. Trusted Messenger Training

To move the needle on the 9.33% "behind schedule" population, we need local leaders to deliver culturally appropriate vaccine education.

Messaging
Train 50+ DeKalb-based ambassadors to counter hesitancy using SAPHL's Narrative Playbook.
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 Elected Officials Contact School Board