Arizona Health Officials Urging Vaccination As Kids Head Back To School

Published: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - 2:13pm
Updated: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - 3:36pm

With school starting as early as next week in some districts, the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging parents to get their kids vaccinated.

Earlier this year, DHS reported that personal exemption rates are up. Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ said there’s a lot of fear and misinformation when it comes to vaccines.

"We would encourage parents who have questions about vaccines to talk to their health care provider. Get information on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines," said Christ.

According to the agency’s latest immunization rates, parents were skipping the D-Tap, the vaccine that prevents whooping cough and the MMR, or measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. 

Education Science