Immunization rates beat average

Montgomery County Public Health officials are celebrating youth immunization rates in the county.

Montgomery County Public Health Director Sue Drake said the results of the Iowa Immunization Registry were very positive this year, based on her audits.

“I go into all the schools in Montgomery County and audit, and get the numbers of kids who have immunization certificates in the county,” Drake said.

For students in child care centers, there were 226 total students with certificates of immunization, out of 231 students enrolled, for a total percentage of 99.57 percent. Out of 1,710 students enrolled in public schools, 1,686 students had their certificates of immunization, for a total of 99.88 percent.

“Our rate is really good, the state rate is 95.42 percent for students at day care centers, and it’s 98.81 percent in the state for students enrolled in school, so again, we’re better than the state average,” Drake said.

Drake credits the strong immunization numbers to school and medical staff working with students and families.

“I think we can give a lot of credit to the school nurses, and a lot of credit to our providers who are really interested in immunizing kids. The mobile health clinic is a factor as well. We help train the nurses and keep them up to date and trained well,” commented Drake.

Drake added that the doctors and nurses keeping a rigorous check on the kids medical histories are helping drive up numbers.

“Doctors and nurses are looking at things, and finding these things and getting immunization shots in kids, which is what we need to do.”

Additionally, Drake said she has vaccine on hand for kids who need to get up-to-date on immunizations.

“I can give vaccine to kids who move in and don’t have Medicaid established, or kids who have no insurance, and keep them from getting behind. It’s a good gap filler for some families,” Drake advised.

Drake said based on the changing times, keeping kids immunized is harder and harder.

“I remember when kids got a handful of vaccinations, for things like Polio, and that was the end of it, and now they’re getting all these shots.”

Drake’s time with the Montgomery County Public Health office has helped her develop relationships with daycare providers which also aids in getting immunizations done.

“We do whatever we can and give them whatever they need to help them get their records up to date, which makes a big difference. People know and trust us,” Drake advised.