Seven US states and the nation’s largest city announced this week that they have formed the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, in an effort to strengthen the region’s health guidance as the national health landscape fractures.Maryland announced they woudl join the alliance on Friday.

As national health agencies revisit their recommendations, including high-profile restrictions on the updated Covid shots and the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, the pressure is increasingly falling on states to navigate recommendations and new federal rules.

“I definitely see a future were there is considerable state-level variability on vaccine policy,much like we have seen in the abortion space,” said Katelyn Jetelina,an epidemiologist and former senior adviser for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There were already some access issues with vaccines, especially for people who have been marginalized. “But in general, it didn’t matter where you lived,” said Jen Kates, senior vice-president at the health non-profit KFF. “Now it does.”

and while Covid shots were the first to be restricted, policies could also change on othre shots – as with the MMRV restrictions proposed on Thursday.

“The area where it could really have a dramatic impact, is what might change with the kids’ [routine vaccination schedule],” kates said.

The new alliance – among Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, new York state and New York City, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island – has been collaborating for months, including a meeting in August to discuss emergency preparedness, vaccine purchasing, lab capacity and more.

The West Coast Health Alliance, a similar

Published: 2025/09/21 16:56:22

Parents Largely Support School Vaccine Mandates, KFF Survey Finds

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reveals broad parental support for vaccine requirements for children attending school. The findings indicate that a significant majority of parents believe vaccines are important for protecting children’s health and support policies that encourage or require vaccination.

Key Findings of the KFF Survey

The KFF survey, conducted in September 2023, highlights several key trends in parental attitudes towards vaccines:

• Support for Mandates: A considerable portion of parents support vaccine mandates for school attendance.
• Belief in Vaccine Effectiveness: Parents generally recognize the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases.
• vaccination Intentions: Most parents report that their children are up-to-date on recommended vaccinations.

Parental Views on School vaccine Requirements

According to KFF President and CEO Drew Altman, parents overwhelmingly support requiring children to be vaccinated to attend school. “They support mandates for going to school. They want their kids to be vaccinated,” Altman stated. This support extends across various demographic groups, though levels of support may vary based on factors like political affiliation and personal beliefs.

Vaccine Confidence and Concerns

While overall vaccine confidence remains relatively high, the survey also identified some areas of concern. Some parents expressed hesitancy due to concerns about potential side effects or a lack of trust in the pharmaceutical industry. However, these concerns were generally outweighed by the perceived benefits of vaccination.

The Importance of School Vaccine Requirements

Vaccine requirements for school attendance have long been a cornerstone of public health efforts to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. By ensuring high vaccination rates, schools can create a safer surroundings for students and staff, and protect vulnerable populations who might potentially be unable to receive vaccines themselves.

Historical Context of School Vaccine Mandates

School vaccine mandates date back to the 19th century,when states began requiring children to be vaccinated against smallpox. Over time, the list of required vaccines has expanded to include protection against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and tetanus. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of school vaccine mandates, recognizing the state’s authority to protect public health. The CDC provides detailed information on school vaccination requirements by state.

Looking Ahead

The KFF survey provides valuable insights into parental attitudes towards vaccines and school requirements. As new vaccines become available and the landscape of infectious diseases continues to evolve, ongoing monitoring of public opinion and effective communication strategies will be crucial for maintaining high vaccination rates and protecting public health. Continued efforts to address parental concerns and provide accurate information about vaccine safety and effectiveness are essential.

Key Takeaways

• Parents largely support vaccine mandates for school attendance.
• Vaccine confidence remains high, but some concerns persist.
• School vaccine requirements are a vital public health tool.
• Ongoing communication and education are crucial for maintaining high vaccination rates.