Immunization policies for employees of childcare facilities within the North Central Health District of Georgia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Since the early 1980s, vaccinations have generally been required for children in licensed daycare and school settings. In these settings, vaccinations have reduced disease rates. Adults occupy these settings as well, and ensuring they are vaccinated should also reduce the potential for disease and disease transmission. Yet, there are few vaccination requirements for adults employed at daycare facilities, although such requirements have been recommended (CDC Adult immunization schedule, 2015; ACIP General Recommendations, 2011). The objective of this study was to examine current vaccination policies among childcare facilities within Georgia’s North Central Health District (District 5-2) and the climate for possible policy directives in the future. Methods: A 10-item questionnaire regarding vaccination requirements and policies and the importance of vaccination education was mailed to administrators of all 271 licensed childcare facilities within the North Central Health District in Georgia. A total of 76 questionnaires were returned, representing a 28% response rate. The district has approximately 530,000 residents and is comprised of 13 counties. Results: Of the childcare facilities, 79% have no vaccination policies in place. However, most facility directors (75%) indicated that such policies should be required, and 93 % stated that vaccination education is important for their staff members. Conclusions: Vaccination requirements can help protect children and their caregivers from communicable diseases. From a policy perspective, the climate may be favorable for the implementation of such requirements, in that most childcare directors recognize the importance of such policies and state that they should be required.