Connecticut has successfully achieved a significant milestone in public health by ensuring that over 95% of children are vaccinated against measles for the current school year, which contributes to herd immunity. This protective barrier not only safeguards vaccinated children but also those who are unable to receive vaccinations due to medical conditions or age.
As the back-to-school season approaches, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is emphasizing the importance of keeping immunizations updated. Parents are encouraged to check their children’s immunization completion rates by visiting the state’s data portal and searching for “school immunization survey data.”
DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, highlighted the importance of vaccinations in preventing the spread of diseases in school environments. She stated, “Staying up to date on routine vaccines, particularly as we head into back-to-school season, is crucial for protecting children from preventable diseases and maintaining community-level immunity.” With students in close proximity and shared surfaces frequently touched, the potential for illness spreads rapidly, making vaccination essential for maintaining health and minimizing missed school days.
Connecticut’s vaccination rates have been pivotal in preventing measles cases within the state, even as the disease resurges in other parts of the country. Notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a slight decrease in non-medical exemptions in Connecticut for the upcoming school year, contrasting with a national increase.
High vaccination rates not only protect individual children but are particularly vital for medically fragile individuals who are more susceptible to illness and rely on communal immunity to stay safe. Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell Tucker underscored the link between health, school attendance, and academic success, urging families to check with primary care providers regarding their child’s vaccinations.
For further assistance concerning vaccine records or the Connecticut Vaccine Program, families can securely access their vaccine records online or contact DPH directly. The proactive measures being taken by Connecticut’s health authorities serve to foster healthy learning environments for all children as they prepare to return to school this year.