COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The Ohio Department of Health said it is concerned about a decrease in kindergarteners meeting back-to-school vaccine requirements.

Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said at a news conference Tuesday that only 85% of kindergarteners statewide meet the requirements.

He said that number has dropped 5% since 2020.

Vanderhoff said the back-to-school vaccines like MMR and DTAP are proven safe and effective. He is worried that if the decrease continues, preventable diseases will see a resurgence.

"Look no further than what we saw around the country this year with measles," he said. "Nationwide, the outbreak appears to be slowing."

"In Ohio, our outbreaks are now closed, but we have had 35 cases this year, 33 of which were in unvaccinated individuals," he added.

Vanderho

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