Community Resilience

A Strategic Roadmap for Union County Public Health

The Current Landscape

Union County faces a critical challenge in community health. Current data shows a 84.86% Kindergarten Immunization Rate, falling significantly below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. This risk is amplified by a high 13.76% Religious Exemption rate. While toddler MMR coverage is slightly higher at 87.3%, there is a clear downward trend as children reach school age that requires immediate strategic intervention.

Union County Measles Risk

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% (Not Met)
0% Religious Exemptions
High Risk Level
0% Toddler MMR Rate
Gap to Herd Immunity
0% Toddler DTaP Rate
Target: 90%
0% Childcare Compliance
Incomplete Records

Strategic Recommendations

1. Urgent Intervention

The Kindergarten immunization rate of 84.86% leaves the community vulnerable to preventable outbreaks.

Priority
Launch a targeted "Catch-Up" campaign for the -1.38% "not up-to-date" gap and late-entry students.
2. Religious Exemption Dialogue

A 13.76% exemption rate is among the highest in the region, suggesting a need for deep community engagement.

Engagement
Collaborate with local faith leaders to discuss the communal benefit of protection and clarify health myths.
3. Early Childhood Focus

Toddler DTaP rates (79%) are concerningly low, putting the youngest residents at risk for Pertussis.

Pediatrics
Work with local pediatricians to automate reminders for the DTaP 4-dose series completion.
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.
Contact State Elected Officials Contact School Board Officials