New data showing the percentage of Oklahoma kindergarteners who are up to date on all required vaccines is missing about 7,870 students because their schools did not submit the information.
Each year the State Department of Health conducts a survey of vaccination coverage and exemption rates for children enrolled in public and private kindergarten programs. It uses the data to develop public health policy.
Participation in this year’s survey was down by 70 schools, with four in five schools responding.
“Our numbers would have been considerably lower if not for the State Department of Education encouraging schools to participate,” said Kellie Clark, the health department’s immunization nurse manager.
“We had been trending up in participation, but considering the challenges related to the pandemic we feel good about the numbers.”