Low Immunization Rates in Ohio

The recent outbreak of measles across the country, has spurred a national debate surrounding immunizations.

According to the 2014 National Immunization Survey Ohio ranks 49th among the 50 states in getting children fully immunized between the ages of 19 to 35 months. With measles specifically, Ohio is 50th out of 50.

Measles specifically, is fatal to 1 in every 1,000 children who contract the disease. Board member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Richard Tuck encourages parents to take advantage of, what he feels, is one of our centuries greatest healthcare achievements.

“We all want to do what’s best for our children. But, immunizations absolutely protect children from potentially very serious diseases” said Dr. Tuck.

The state is working to increase its immunizations statistics with the passage of the child care immunization mandate, which states that every child entering a state authorized daycare center needs to meet the immunizations of the state.

Dr. Tuck said there are flaws in the mandate, “Now there is a caveat to that, and that is parents can exempt their children from this requirement by indicating they have personal belief. They can also be exempt for medical reasons as well and those would be understandable.”

While there have been no reported cases of the measles in Ohio this year, it’s only a matter of time and getting these immunizations protects not only your children but those who medically are incapable of receiving it as well.

For information regarding immunizations and the diseases that they prevent you can visit the websites for the American Academy of Pediatrics at, www.AAP.org, or the Centers for Disease Control and prevention at , www.CDC.gov.