Indiana health officials urge parents to prioritize vaccinations

FISHERS — As students across Indiana gear up for a new school year with fresh clothes, new shoes and haircuts, health officials are reminding families not to forget required vaccines.

While students are excited to reunite with friends, health leaders are focused on preventing illness.

“As school nurses, we’re gearing up, making sure everybody has all the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted to make sure our students are safe and healthy for the school year,” said Amy Hanna, director of health services at Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

Indiana law requires all public school students to be vaccinated with numerous vaccines at various ages to attend classes, though religious and medical exemptions are allowed.

According to data from the Indiana Department of Health, an average 6% of students reported as unvaccinated for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine alone.

“If they choose to do an exemption, then it has to be filled out every year,” Hanna said. “We’re kind of the messenger between the state and the parents. So sometimes we’re the bearer of bad news.”

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