Benton County health officials are urging parents to review immunization data for their children’s schools after vaccination rates among students dropped to a new low and nonmedical exemptions reached a record high — a trend that mirrors what’s happening statewide.
The Benton County Health Department issued the warning last week, noting that declining vaccination coverage raises the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as measles and pertussis, both of which spread rapidly in school and childcare settings.
“When vaccine rates decline, we risk seeing the return of harmful diseases such as measles and polio, which are now largely preventable through vaccination,” said Dr. Carolina Amador, health officer and pediatrician for Benton County Health Services.
Amador added that current countywide rates are not sufficient to prevent a measles outbreak and that vaccination rates vary significantly from school to school. She encouraged families to consult the Oregon Health Authority’s School Immunization Data Dashboard, which provides school-specific immunization and exemption data, to assess risk at their child’s particular campus.
Under Oregon law, students who are not fully vaccinated may be excluded from school or childcare during a disease outbreak. Exclusion periods can range from several days to several weeks. During a measles outbreak, unvaccinated students must stay home for a minimum of 21 days.
Health officials are using the start of summer to encourage families to check their children’s vaccination records, identify any missing vaccines and schedule appointments before the new school year begins.
The Benton County Health Department’s Public Health Immunization Clinic, located at 530 NW 27th St., in Corvallis, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with walk-ins welcome.
Luv Paresa, immunization coordinator for the department, said the clinic offers more than a standard vaccine appointment.
“We have longer appointment times so we can help folks update vaccine records,” Paresa said. “Whether they have moved here from another state or country, we can ensure the records are updated and ready for school. We take time to answer any questions or concerns and can accommodate family preferences or alternate schedules.”
Families with questions or children who need vaccines can also call the health department at 541-766-6835.