Responding to Declining Vaccination Rates in Tennessee
A Toolbox for School Board Members and Community Leaders to Protect Public Health
Protecting Our Community's Health
The recent decline in childhood vaccination rates in Tennessee poses a serious threat to community health, increasing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks like measles and pertussis. The goal is to protect herd immunity, which keeps everyone safe, including infants too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised individuals. This toolbox provides actionable solutions for school board members and community leaders to reverse this trend and raise vaccination rates.
Help Students Meet Vaccine Requirements
The Problem:
Schools face a rising administrative burden from non-compliant students, with a significant increase in religious exemptions overwhelming staff.
The Solution:
Equip schools with resources and community health partners to actively connect families with vaccination resources like mobile clinics or local health departments.
Why It Works:
This creates a supportive web of accountability, turning schools into proactive public health partners and ensuring families have the access they need.
Increase Provider Participation and Access
The Problem:
Many families struggle to find providers in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Requiring a full well-child visit for a single shot is a major barrier.
The Solution:
Launch a recruitment campaign for VFC providers and advocate for "vaccine-only" appointments 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.
Empower School Districts as Vaccination Hubs
The Problem:
Barriers like transportation, parental work schedules, and appointment availability prevent children from getting vaccinated, even when providers are available.
The Solution:
Encourage school districts to become VFC providers or partner with local health departments for on-site nursing services, bringing vaccines directly into schools.
Why It Works:
This strategy brings vaccines directly to where children are, eliminating access barriers and leveraging the school as a trusted, central hub for student health.
Address Religious Exemptions with Targeted Messaging
The Problem:
A sharp increase in religious exemptions is fueled by organized misinformation that conflates personal beliefs with religious doctrine.
The Solution:
Partner with respected Tennessee faith leaders and community organizers to share medically accurate information, focusing on the shared value of protecting children.
Why It Works:
Information is best received from a trusted source. Empowering local leaders can effectively counter misinformation and help parents make decisions based on facts, not fear.
Protect and Support Public Health Staff
The Problem:
Public health professionals face unprecedented harassment, threats, and political pressure, leading to burnout, high turnover, and a weakened health system.
The Solution:
State and local leadership must publicly support health workers, implement zero-tolerance policies for harassment, and provide mental health resources.
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 safety of every Tennessean.