List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Sept. 1, 2011
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Childhood vaccination rates are generally tracked using county-wide statistics which can hide pockets of vulnerability within the county. Several schools in Bend, Ore. had a high rate of students claiming religious exemptions to school vaccination rates, leaving several schools below the threshold needed to provide herd immunity from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
The article was based on a database of school vaccine requirement exemptions that I requested from state health officials. Exemption rates were then matched up with the herd immunity thresholds listed in medical textbooks.
Explain types of human sources used.
I spoke extensively with public health officials and vaccine researchers.
Results:
County health officials told me the story sent shockwaves through the community, as was discussed by local school boards and state education officials. Local pediatricians said the article prompted many parents who had claimed religious exemptions in previous years to bring their children in for vaccinations.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
none
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
County vaccination rates don’t give you the full picture. Try to find school by school immunization rates, or other breakdowns that can help identify pocket within the community that may be ripe for an outbreak.