At the same time, the alarming increase in nonmedical school vaccine exemptions highlights a disconnect between research confirming parental support for K-12 vaccines and growing anti-vaccine rhetoric
HOUSTON, TX (Feb. 21, 2024) — “Immunization policies are under attack all over the country because of vaccine hesitancy and an assault on science.”
Calling it an issue that erodes public health and public institutions, Terri Burke, Executive Director of the Immunization Partnership (TIP), made those remarks and more Tuesday at the Texas Association of City and County Health Officials (TACCHO) Conference, held Feb. 19-21 in Houston.
The impacts can be seen in everything from an increase in nonmedical school vaccine exemptions to the rise of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and chickenpox. Along with The Immunization Partnership, TACCHO advocates for focused community outreach in rural communities and areas of the state where underrepresented people are most at risk.
Despite the attention given to the anti-vaccine movement, “Our research and the opportunities we have to listen to our neighbors around the state have shown us that most Texans want to prevent disease,” Burke said. “So clearly, there’s a disconnect.”
This backs other research from institutions including Texas A&M University that report strong vaccine support among K-12 parents. A study of 16,000 people in the U.S. found “overwhelming support” for a number of common vaccinations for kindergarten through 12th grade students, including one for COVID-19.
Yet, citing data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Burke highlighted how nonmedical vaccine exemptions continue to outpace previous years. Since 20 years ago, when the state expanded the criteria for “reasons of conscience” exemptions, the rate of children exempt from at least one immunization required to attend school has seen a more than 4,000 percent increase.
“We look forward to working together with The Immunization Partnership to improve the lives of Texans,” said TACCHO Executive Director Sharon Shaw. “Today was just the beginning.”
“The need to combat these concerning trends can’t be overstated,” added Burke. “We don’t want to reach a point of no return in the state. Vaccines save lives. We’re committed to getting that message out.”
—END—
For immediate release:
Contact: media@immunizeusa.org
About TIP The Immunization Partnership advocates for disease prevention using an impactful network of vaccine champions who promote education and evidence-based public policy on the health benefits of childhood and adult vaccinations. TIP is a trusted resource for those who work to increase immunization rates, creating healthier communities.