Douglas County parents’ hesitancy to vaccinate their kids

A growing number of Douglas County parents are hesitant to give their babies all of the recommended vaccines, according to a recent report released by the Douglas County Health Department.Deputy Health Director Justin Frederick posted the finding on Twitter, revealing that 13% of people in the county would not want their baby to receive the full slate of recommended vaccinations.“Since 2015, the percent of parents that would not want to vaccinate their new baby, with all of the recommended vaccines in Douglas County, has more than doubled,” Frederick said.The study tracks the seven-vaccine series typically administered during early childhood. These vaccines help protect against several serious or potentially fatal diseases.A newly released report from the Nebraska Legislative Research Office also highlights a statewide issue. During the 2020-2021 period, Nebraska ranked last in the country for completion of the seven-vaccine series, landing at just under 60%.Frederick called the findings “deeply concerning.”“Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in protecting children, families and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.Dr. Kari Neemann, medical director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Nebraska, emphasized the historic importance of childhood vaccines.“Prior to their introduction , millions of children were dying each year from diseases that we no longer see,” Neemann said.She added that vaccinations have an impact beyond individual people.“Vaccines aren’t just about your child. They’re about the health of children throughout your community,” Neemann said.In response to misinformation circulating about pediatricians receiving financial incentives to administer vaccines, Frederick was direct.“It’s just simply false,” he said. “Vaccines too often cost clinics more to provide them than what they’re reimbursed.”Neemann encouraged parents with questions or concerns to talk directly with health care professionals.“We know that that has the greatest chance of uptake of that child receiving that vaccine when they can have that one-on-one conversation with their pediatrician,” she said.Frederick also warned that the decrease in vaccine confidence could threaten community herd immunity.“We have short memory again, and the danger is forgotten with history, so when those vaccination rates decline, those diseases return, and they bring preventable suffering with them,” he said.The Douglas County Health Department recommends that concerned parents reach out to them with questions. The department’s information line is 402-444-3400.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. —

A growing number of Douglas County parents are hesitant to give their babies all of the recommended vaccines, according to a recent report released by the Douglas County Health Department.

Deputy Health Director Justin Frederick posted the finding on Twitter, revealing that 13% of people in the county would not want their baby to receive the full slate of recommended vaccinations.

“Since 2015, the percent of parents that would not want to vaccinate their new baby, with all of the recommended vaccines in Douglas County, has more than doubled,” Frederick said.

The study tracks the seven-vaccine series typically administered during early childhood. These vaccines help protect against several serious or potentially fatal diseases.

A newly released report from the Nebraska Legislative Research Office also highlights a statewide issue.

During the 2020-2021 period, Nebraska ranked last in the country for completion of the seven-vaccine series, landing at just under 60%.

Frederick called the findings “deeply concerning.”

“Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in protecting children, families and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.

Dr. Kari Neemann, medical director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Nebraska, emphasized the historic importance of childhood vaccines.

“Prior to their introduction [of vaccines], millions of children were dying each year from diseases that we no longer see,” Neemann said.

She added that vaccinations have an impact beyond individual people.

“Vaccines aren’t just about your child. They’re about the health of children throughout your community,” Neemann said.

In response to misinformation circulating about pediatricians receiving financial incentives to administer vaccines, Frederick was direct.

“It’s just simply false,” he said. “Vaccines too often cost clinics more to provide them than what they’re reimbursed.”

Neemann encouraged parents with questions or concerns to talk directly with health care professionals.

“We know that that has the greatest chance of uptake of that child receiving that vaccine when they can have that one-on-one conversation with their pediatrician,” she said.

Frederick also warned that the decrease in vaccine confidence could threaten community herd immunity.

“We have short memory again, and the danger is forgotten with history, so when those vaccination rates decline, those diseases return, and they bring preventable suffering with them,” he said.

The Douglas County Health Department recommends that concerned parents reach out to them with questions. The department’s information line is 402-444-3400.

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