The Hesitancy Hurdle

A Strategic Roadmap for Union County Public Health

The Current Landscape

Union County faces a critical public health challenge. While toddler immunization rates are relatively strong with 87.3% MMR coverage, protection drops significantly by school entry. Our Kindergarten rate is only 84.86%, driven largely by a high Religious Exemption Rate of 13.76% and low documentation in childcare settings (45.8%). Addressing this hesitancy is our primary goal.

0% Kindergarten Rate
Target: 95% (Below Target)
0% Religious Exemptions
Critical Barrier (>3%)
0% Toddler MMR Rate
Approaching Target (90%)
0% Toddler DTaP Rate
Critical Gap (19-35 Mos)
0% Childcare Certs
Low Documentation

Strategic Recommendations

1. Addressing Hesitancy

With a 13.76% exemption rate, logistical fixes are not enough. We must address the root causes of community hesitancy.

Education
Launch community education campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions.
Outreach
Partner with faith leaders to foster open conversations about public health.
2. Closing the Childcare Gap

Only 45.8% of children in childcare have certificates on file. This administrative gap creates blind spots in coverage.

Administrative
Partner with childcare centers to audit records and provide "catch-up" days for paperwork and shots.
3. Boosting Early Consistency

Toddler MMR is decent (87.3%), but DTaP lags at 79%. Parents are starting the series but not finishing it.

Reminder Systems
Implement reminders specifically for the multi-dose DTaP series.
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