Public Health Snapshot

Strategic Health Roadmap for Union County, NC

The Health Landscape

Union County is experiencing a notable multi-year decline in student health protection. Since 2020, our kindergarten immunization rate has fallen from a safe 96.0% to 88.6%, moving the county well below the herd immunity threshold. Concurrently, religious exemptions have more than tripled, rising from 2.5% to 8.3%. Strengthening community dialogue and optimizing the use of Vaccines for Children (VFC) resources are essential to reversing these trends.

0% ▼ Kindergarteners Up-to-Date

Was 96.0% in 2020

0% ▲ Religious Exemptions

Was 2.5% in 2020

0 VFC Providers

Local Access Network

0% Not Up-to-Date Gap

Pending Compliance

Strategic Priorities

1. Restoring Community Immunity

The 7.4% drop in vaccinations since 2020 places Union County at a significantly higher risk for preventable outbreaks.

Urgency

Educate families on the importance of the 95% safety standard for community immunity.

2. Respectful Community Dialogue

With exemptions surging to 8.3%, we must address hesitancy through trust-based, science-led conversations.

Engagement

Partner with local medical professionals and faith leaders to share factual evidence on vaccine safety.

3. Optimizing VFC Access

Leveraging our network of VFC providers is the fastest way to remove technical barriers for under-insured families.

Access

Distribute maps of all VFC provider locations through school registration portals and community centers.

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.

Turn data into action—connect with your lawmakers and help shape policies that protect your community.

Contact State Elected Officials Contact School Board Officials