Responding to Declining Vaccination Rates in Georgia
A toolbox for school board members to explore solutions for protecting community health and boosting childhood vaccination rates.
Solutions Toolbox 🧰
The Problem
Schools face a growing administrative burden tracking non-compliant students. A significant rise in kindergarteners with religious exemptions is overwhelming school staff and nurses.
The Solution
Equip schools with resources, clear protocols, and support from community health partners (like Georgia's 18 public health districts) to actively connect families with vaccination resources, such as mobile clinics or local health departments.
Why It Works
This creates a supportive web of accountability, transforming the school's role from purely administrative to a proactive partner in public health.
The Problem
Many families struggle to find providers in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Requiring a full well-child visit just for a shot is a major time and cost barrier.
The Solution
Launch a recruitment campaign for practices to become VFC providers. Advocate for state-level guidance that encourages "vaccine-only" visits to streamline the process for busy families.
Why It Works
Removing logistical and financial hurdles is one of the most effective ways to increase vaccination rates and improve compliance with school requirements.
The Problem
Even when VFC providers exist, barriers like transportation, work schedules, and appointment availability can prevent children from getting vaccinated in both metro and rural areas.
The Solution
Allow school districts to register as VFC providers to administer vaccines directly on school grounds. Alternatively, districts can contract with their local county health department for on-site nursing services.
Why It Works
This strategy brings vaccines directly to where the children are, eliminating access barriers for parents and leveraging the school as a trusted, central hub for student health.
The Problem
A sharp increase in religious exemptions (Form 2208) is largely fueled by organized misinformation that conflates personal beliefs with religious doctrine.
The Solution
Collaborate with respected Georgia faith leaders and community organizers to share medically accurate information. The message should focus on the shared value of protecting children and the community.
Why It Works
Information is best received from a trusted source. Empowering local leaders to be champions for vaccination can effectively counter misinformation from within the community.
The Problem
Public health professionals face unprecedented harassment, threats, and burnout, leading to high turnover and a weakened public health system.
The Solution
State and local leadership must publicly support public health workers. Implement zero-tolerance policies for harassment and provide staff with mental health resources and de-escalation training.
Why It Works
A safe, stable, and respected workforce is essential for any public health strategy. Protecting our health staff is a critical investment in the health of every Georgian.