In 2022, 81% of Idaho kids were vaccinated before starting school. The CDC wants more Idaho parents to vaccinate their kids to prevent serious diseases like measles and mumps. The CDC reports that the national average for vaccinations before school starts is 93%.
Idaho falls short with only 81%. Kids need vaccinations for diseases like polio, diphtheria, measles, and mumps before they start kindergarten. They need another round in middle school and one more before leaving high school.
The Idaho legislature has passed a new law requiring schools to clearly inform parents on how to obtain vaccination exemptions. “We are worried about the kids in Idaho,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen told Idaho News 6. Cohen pointed out that the national average is much higher than Idaho’s rate. “Overall in the nation, about 93-94% of kids entering kindergarten are up-to-date on their vaccines,” Cohen said.
In Idaho, schools require incoming kids to be vaccinated. For example, kindergarteners need shots for measles, mumps, chickenpox, polio, and more. But there’s an issue.
“We’re seeing more kids file for those exemptions for vaccines,” Cohen said. “But we want to make sure we’re answering questions about vaccines, making sure folks know it is the best defense you can get.”
Measles was declared eradicated in 2000, but the CDC worries a decrease in vaccinations could weaken herd immunity, giving the disease a chance to return. Cohen noted that even though she has never treated a patient with polio, it remains a serious threat in parts of the world.
“But as we get to lower levels like we’re seeing in Idaho, that’s when these diseases can creep back in,” Cohen said.
“When a parent comes in to register their child for kindergarten, they’re going to get that information about the required immunizations,” said Twin Falls School District’s Eva Craner. “And if they don’t want to do that, here’s the form that you can fill out to exempt your child as well.”
Craner explained that the district’s policies are in line with state laws, which require parents to be informed about how to obtain an exemption. The district requires either vaccination records or an exemption for a child to attend school.
“We want to know what’s happening with our school in the event of an outbreak so that we can support community health and ensure that we’re keeping our learning environment as healthy as possible,” Craner said.
Director Cohen mentioned that she has appointments for her daughters to get their vaccinations next week. “I wouldn’t recommend something for folks in Idaho that I wouldn’t do for my kiddos,” Cohen said.
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This ongoing effort by the CDC aims to address the low vaccination rates in Idaho and ensure that children are protected from preventable diseases. By increasing awareness and providing clear information to parents, the CDC hopes to see a rise in the number of vaccinated children, ultimately improving public health and safety.
