Strengthening Our Shield

A Strategic Roadmap for Onslow County Public Health

The Regional Landscape

Onslow County faces a critical gap in community health. Current data shows that only 84.23% of kindergarteners are up-to-date on required vaccinations, falling significantly short of the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. With a religious exemption rate of 4.37% and a high-mobility population, reaching our 5+ VFC providers is essential to protecting our schools and families from preventable outbreaks.

0% Immunization Rate

Target: 95% (Critical Gap)

0% Religious Exemptions

Primary Barrier

0 VFC Providers

Access Network

Strategic Recommendations

1. Closing the Access Gap

With an immunization rate under 85%, traditional clinic hours may not be sufficient for our high-mobility and working families.

Access

Expand the VFC network and offer extended-hour "Catch-Up" clinics at the Health Department.

2. Educational Outreach

The 4.37% exemption rate indicates a need for deeper community engagement and trust-building regarding vaccine safety.

Engagement

Launch localized awareness campaigns focused on the importance of community-wide protection.

3. School System Integration

Our schools are the front line. Enhancing the partnership between public health and school nurses is vital for tracking.

Vigilance

Continue school-based immunization outreaches and streamline the reporting of incomplete records.

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.

Onslow Health Dept. Services Contact County Commissioners