At a time when vaccine misinformation and mixed messages is challenging for public health professionals, new Ohio data offers encouraging news. A statewide poll conducted in October 2025 by the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Bowling Green State University (and summarized in The Columbus Dispatch 1/20/26) found that most Ohioans still strongly support routine childhood vaccinations. In fact, 87% of respondents said it is important for parents to vaccinate their children, and 75% support requirements for vaccines against preventable diseases.

Just as important, families continue to trust their health care providers. Nearly nine in ten respondents expressed confidence in their pediatrician or family doctor for vaccine guidance. Physicians involved in the survey noted that while anti-vaccine rhetoric has grown louder since the pandemic, it does not reflect the views of most parents.

The findings come as vaccination rates slip below the level needed to prevent outbreaks. Vaccination rates across the population in communities is what protects our children and those most vulnerable to the impact of infectious diseases.  Ohio’s kindergarten Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) rate is about 88%, short of the 95% needed for community protection against measles. Why is this important? Measles is one of the most contagious vaccine preventable diseases, and it can have severe impact to the health of children. The misinformation noise around vaccines is dangerous, but the takeaway is clear: public support is still strong, but continued outreach and clear communication are essential to keep vaccine-preventable diseases from returning.

The public opinion results are timely, as the discussions on as vaccine policy are front and center at the Ohio Statehouse. Lawmakers recently held a hearing on House Bill 561, the Parental Clarity on Health Options and Information on Conscientious Exemption “C.H.O.I.C.E.” Act, which would require parents to be notified not only about legally required childhood immunizations, but also about the exemptions allowed under Ohio law. Supporters say the measure is about informed decision-making — not discouraging vaccination. Public health leaders and pediatricians across Ohio agree with informed decision making by parents and work one-one with parents to explain the benefits and risks and subsequent options. However, there are parts of this bill that impose threats to the safety of our populations. These issues are a cause for concern among many public health officials.

1. The bill would repeal an existing Ohio law that allows schools to deny admission to unvaccinated, exempt students during an epidemic, a long-standing safeguard designed prevent the spread of contagious diseases and protect those students most vulnerable if they contracted the disease.
2. The bill changes the exclusion criteria during epidemics/outbreaks of chickenpox or measles, mumps or rubella. The bill only allows for exclusion of infected children. The problem with this exclusion criteria is the period children can transmit these diseases is often prior to the symptoms appearing (especially the rash symptoms). To prevent the spread of chickenpox or measles in a school the best practice is to exclude those children unvaccinated because of exemptions.

Legislators state in proponent testimony at the first hearing that students should stay home if they are sick. However, we know this is often not reality and kids come to school with snotty noses and respiratory symptoms all the time. Because of this it is the role of public health to protect everyone from these diseases that are so easily spread through respiratory secretions in the air.

The proposal comes at the same time when Ohio Department of Health officials are urging residents to stay up to date on vaccinations, continuing the debate on vaccine policy for the foreseeable future.  At OPHA, we are monitoring this piece of legislation and other key bills that impact the work of concern to public health professionals.  We need the help of our members as we build our advocacy team. Join us in our work as we shape our policy agenda. 

Look for future opportunities to discuss with legislators why vaccine policy must go hand in hand with the ability to prevent vaccine preventable disease epidemics in Ohio.