Elise Fricklas
Research Mentor: Michael Rubyan
Mentor Department: Department of Health Management and Policy, Public Health
Author(s): Elise Fricklas, Colin LeFave, Michael Hayashi, Michael Rubyan
Session: Session 7 (4:00 PM – 4:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 6
Abstract
Childhood immunizations are critical to preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. In the United States, state laws generally require immunizations against select pathogens as a prerequisite for school entry. However, individuals may obtain exemptions for either medical or non-medical (i.e. religious or philosophical) reasons. The scope and implementation of exemption processes differs greatly between each of the fifty states. Our project examines childhood immunization policies at the state level with a focus on differences in the implementation of enforcement and exemption mechanisms. We examined the policy landscape for childhood immunization requirements and waivers in all fifty states, compiling statutes and regulatory frameworks by local health departments. The study explores differences in waiver guidelines based on medical, philosophical, or religious exemptions, or a combination of the three. Furthermore, we examine changes in states’ immunization requirements and exemption policies. Our findings highlight the challenges of maintaining infection control and vaccine promotion efforts in the United States. Understanding state-level heterogeneity in immunization requirements serves as a critical background to future efforts aimed at improving childhood vaccination rates and reducing vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
