INDIANAPOLIS — IPS recently released information about vaccination rates in the school district. According to the district, in August 2024, roughly 80% of IPS students were vaccinated against the measles. Now, that rate has hit 95%.
Measles was nearly eradictated in the U.S. due to high levels of vaccination. Measles is highly contagious that can cause serious complications, especially in young children. Symptoms include rash, high fever and inflamed eyes.
More than 300 measles cases have been confirmed across 15 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indiana has no reported cases, but with spring break travel in the coming weeks, families may come into contact with the disease.
Indiana students are required to be vaccinated for measles with the MMR vaccine, though IPS said about 1,130 students in district-managed schools do not have a measles vaccination on file. Approximately 256 of these students had an exemption on file. The state allows parents to opt out of vaccinations for medical or religious reasons.
In Marion County, about 86% of children ages 1 to 3 were vaccinated for measles, according to Indiana Department of Health data — which is lower than the national average of 91% coverage.
The district will offer vaccination clinics leading up to spring break:
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22 at Indiana Immunization Coalition, 6919 E. 10th St., Building C, Suite 2. Open to all. Parent or guardian presence required for people under 18.
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24 at Indiana Immunization Coalition, 6919 E. 10th St., Building C, Suite 2. Open to all, walk-ins welcome.