"We require that every child entering sixth grade have a dose of MCV4 which would protect against meningococcal disease. Then they have an additional TDAP which would protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis and they have to be current on their varicella requirement."
Students entering their senior year need a booster dose of the meningococcal vaccine. Families that object to vaccinations on religious grounds are not legally required to obtain the immunizations, but the parent must present a signed statement to the school district detailing the grounds for objection. Medical exemptions are also allowed and require a doctor’s note explaining why each vaccine is medically conflicting.
McCormick stresses that the state does not allow immunization exemptions based on philosophical beliefs.
"So if it’s just a personal belief or you just don’t like immunization requirements that does not meet the requirement for not having your child immunized."
A multi-state measles outbreak this year did not impact Indiana, which McCormick believes is due to the state's high immunization rates. But he says the incident underscores the importance of vaccines for community health.
"If we can get 80 percent or more of the population protected against a disease those that can’t handle the vaccine should still have some protection because we’re not seeing widespread disease. So the more protection we see out there, the more protected Hoosiers are going to be."
