Nashville to Launch Significant Audit of Child Vaccination Records Amid Declining Immunization Rates

Nashville, Tennessee – Upcoming Audit of Child Vaccination Records

Hey Nashville! There’s some important news on the horizon that parents and caregivers should be aware of. Starting next month, the Metro Council here is looking to accept a grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services, which will lead to an audit of child vaccination records at daycare centers across Davidson County.

What’s Happening?

The contract for this audit is set to kick off on October 1 and aims to review the immunization records of every licensed child care facility in our county. This is coming at a crucial time when we’ve seen the rates of routine childhood vaccinations dip to a 10-year low in 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a slight increase in child vaccine exemptions in Tennessee compared to last year, which has raised some eyebrows.

Why is This Important?

Dr. Joseph Gigante, a professor of pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, emphasizes that getting children vaccinated is absolutely vital. He states, “It is so vitally important for children to get vaccinated and be updated on their vaccines because there are so many different types of communicable diseases, really serious diseases, and diseases that can actually kill children if they don’t get vaccinated.”

So, what does this mean for us as a community? The audit is designed not just to adhere to Tennessee law—which already mandates vaccinations for children in care facilities and public schools—but also to ensure the overall safety and well-being of our children and families.

Misinformation is a Concern

As Dr. Gigante points out, there is a lot of misinformation circulating about vaccines, which can confuse parents. “I think unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation… and parents will read that and think and kind of take that as truth,” he explains. This misinformation can not only be misleading but can actually present risks to children’s health. It’s crucial for parents to seek accurate information from reliable sources.

If you’re feeling uncertain or have any questions about your child’s vaccinations, Dr. Gigante encourages reaching out to your pediatrician. They can provide expert guidance and let you know about ways to catch up on routine vaccinations if you’ve recently decided to get your child vaccinated.

Looking Ahead

As we gear up for this important audit, it’s good to keep in mind that our collective efforts in promoting vaccination can lead to healthier communities. Nashville thrives on the well-being of its families and children, and getting vaccinated is a significant step in protecting our little ones from potentially serious diseases.

Let’s stay informed and empowered, Nashville! It’s time to spread the word about the importance of vaccinations and make sure every child is protected. After all, our children’s health is everyone’s responsibility.

Remember, if you are a parent, keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider. This way, you can navigate the world of vaccinations confidently and with the right information by your side.

Thanks for staying engaged, and let’s work together to keep our Nashville kids safe and healthy!