Review of Vaccination Coverage Assessed by the Kindergarten Immunization Survey in Delaware

Abstract

Vaccinations are the primary means used in public health to avert morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases and are crucial for reducing the development of infectious disease outbreaks. To ensure a high level of vaccine coverage, the State of Delaware requires that all children receive specific vaccinations against dangerous pathogens prior to enrolling in a school. By requiring all children to be vaccinated against certain diseases, individuals who have religious or medical exemptions for receiving vaccines are also protected. The percentage of vaccine coverage among kindergarten students is surveyed annually by the Delaware Immunization Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), via random sampling. Data acquired during the period from 2016 to 2021 shows that vaccine coverages have a declining trend, which may be due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased vaccine hesitancy. Reviewing these data allows for a more robust understanding of disease trends and provides an indication as to where resources may need to be allocated to address lagging vaccine rates.