Immunizations continue to be one of the most effective ways to prevent communicable disease. On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. Repeated scientific studies have shown no link between childhood vaccines and autism or other neurologic problems.

If community immunization rates are high (90-95%), it creates what is called “herd immunity” which protects individuals who are unable to be vaccinated and those with compromised immune systems. When the immunization rate of a population decreases, it causes the entire community to be more susceptible to the diseases vaccines prevent. Marathon County has a higher immunization rate than most surrounding counties. A higher immunization rate regionally would better protect the residents of Marathon County and surrounding counties.

Waivers that allow students to attend school without vaccines due to religious or personal convictions have continued to increase statewide, with four times more waivers now than 20 years ago. A majority of the waivers are for personal convictions, fewer for religious beliefs.