Find Out The Vaccination Rate For Kids In Your School District

With the start of any new school year, as a parent, you have to make sure your kids are up to date. Up to date on school supplies, the necessary forms, and up to date on their vaccinations. But not all children are up to date on their shots. For a variety of reasons, some parents don't get or keep their kids up to date on their vaccinations. That is something the Iowa Department of Public Health is working to change.

Health officials say that many students return to school in the fall without their required vaccinations. That can put them at danger for measles, meningitis, mumps, hepatitis B and more. The shots are meant to protect them and others from such infectious diseases. Schools have until October or later before compliance audits can begin. Cedar Rapids school officials say that it's a major issue for them, as state law requires them to be compliant. Parents can file a religious exemption with the school if they wish.

If you are curious as to the vaccination rate at your child's school, the Iowa Department of Public Health has released an interactive map that will let you search out your school or district. I was surprised to see that the Marion Independent School District where my kids go, only had an 86% compliance rate during the 2017-2018 school year. Upon further review, it is due to the Marion Home School program having a vaccination rate of just 66%. Other schools in the district were near 97% or higher.

Personally, I believe in vaccinating my children. I'm not going to sit here and judge those who don't. But if you are a concerned parent this information could be a real eye-opener like it was for me.

[via Gazette]