Pennsylvania health officials work to boost vaccination rates as measles cases rise
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
As Pennsylvania reports 167 measles cases in Lancaster County, nearly half of the 340 cases statewide, Health Secretary Debra Bogen is emphasizing efforts to increase vaccination rates and address exposure risks.
State works with schools to track vaccinations
Bogen said her department is collaborating with schools to ensure vaccination data is easily accessible.
“We wanted to be as transparent as possible and put out the data we get through our school immunization surveys,” Bogen said.
She explained that a new tracking system could help improve vaccination rates for students and their communities.
“We’re seeing a really robust response to our vaccination efforts because people are, I think, seeing the threat in their own community and they are appropriately responding and saying, ‘Hey, can I get a vaccine?'” she said.
Potential measles exposures reported
These efforts come as two potential measles exposures were reported in Lancaster County: one at a soccer camp at Millersville University on August 4 and 5, and another at the Whole Foods on Fruitville Pike on August 12.
Bogen highlighted the importance of partnerships with schools, health care providers, and other organizations to address concerns and ensure access to vaccines.
“We’re really hoping that that’s how people will use this tool to inform local response to the need in their own communities,” she said.
Health officials encourage vaccination
For those unsure of their vaccination status, Bogen recommended contacting their doctor to check records.
“The people at risk for measles are people who are not vaccinated, and really, we’re trying to address barriers for people who are not vaccinated,” she said.
Bogen said the goal is to educate the public to increase the number of vaccinated individuals.
“We really hope that people have conversations with their primary care providers or their health care providers about measles so they can learn the facts,” she said.
When asked about potential limitations in education and response efforts, Bogen pointed to the availability of resources across the state.
“So, across the entire Commonwealth, we do have access, and all of our state health centers, all 59, give vaccines all the time. That’s part of their job,” she said.
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