By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
At a time when the federal government seems to be waging a war against vaccines, the Wood County Board of Health is being asked to make immunizations more accessible to those who want them.
During last week’s board meeting, Rachel Aeschliman, director of nursing at the health department, suggested that the agency explore the hiring of a full-time public health nurse.
The new position would help staff the health department’s new mobile health clinic as it makes visits to senior centers, schools and community events. In a survey addressing how the health department can best help local school districts, school officials reported it would be helpful to have vaccines available at certain times and settings.
“Overall we have really good vaccination rates,” Aeschliman said.
But a gap has been noted for students entering junior high and high school not being up to date on immunizations. In the vast percentage of those cases, the delayed vaccines are not due to medical exemptions or conscience objections – but rather because life with teenage children is often very hectic, and busy families forget about the vaccines, Aeschliman said.
The board members discussed that the increased vaccination access would likely cost the health department – especially “if grants go away.”
But board member Cathy Nelson reminded others of the health department’s role. “This is a service to our communities,” she said.
Board member Dr. Tom Milbrodt agreed. “This is very much in support of our mission.”
It was noted that money spent on prevention is better than more money spent on investigating sicknesses.
Two board members wanted assurances that any immunization program will respect the wishes of families who don’t want their children to receive certain vaccines. “We must be very cognizant and respect that,” Richard Strow said.
Board member Sonja Apple Chamberlain spoke of the increasing distrust of vaccines. “There’s a growing population,” against the recommended vaccine schedule for children. Chamberlain wanted to make sure parental permission is acquired before shots are administered while working with schools.
It was explained that as with any child vaccine, parental signatures would be required, Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Robison said.
Robison and Aeschliman explained that the primary purpose would be offering vaccines to children in the “gap” years of seventh grade and older – possibly at events such as sports physical days.
“We would be able to meet the need the schools are talking about,” Robison said.
The board asked for the latest information on the measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. As of their meeting date last Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control had confirmed a total of 301 measles cases reported by 15 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
There have been three outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases) reported so far in 2025, and 93% of cases (280 of 301) are outbreak-associated. One child death has been confirmed from measles, and another is under investigation, according to the CDC.
A third of the cases have hit children under 5 years old, while 42% have affected those 5 to 19 years old. In 95% of the cases, those affected were unvaccinated or have unknown status. Another 3% had received one MMR dose, and 2% had gotten two MMR doses.
Aeschliman reported that this region of Ohio has a 92% vaccination rate for measles. Wood County’s rate is higher, at 96%. An immunization rate of 95% is necessary to provide “herd immunity” against a disease, according to the World Health Organization.
The first measles vaccine was licensed for public use in 1963. While the measles is one of the most contagious viruses, the vaccine has been found to be 97% effective, Aeschliman said.
Meanwhile cases continue to grow in the U.S. as new Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has promoted unproven remedies such as cod liver oil for sickened children.
Chamberlain said when she was young, many children contracted the measles and gained immunity that way. She questioned the effects of “messing with the immunity” of children at very young ages.
Board member Bob Midden spoke in support of the measles vaccine. “I had measles and nearly died,” he said.
Ohio Revised Code 3313.671 requires students in the state to be fully protected against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases:
- Diphtheria.
- Hepatitis B.
- Measles.
- Meningococcal.
- Mumps.
- Pertussis.
- Polio.
- Rubella.
- Tetanus.
- Varicella.
However, parents can file for conscience objections and medical exemptions for their children. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the rate of conscience exemptions in Ohio for kindergartners has increased from 2.6% in 2019 to 4% in 2024. Medical exemption rates for kindergartners in Ohio have remained steady during that time at 0.2%.
Aeschliman pointed out the additional public health nurse would allow the health department’s mobile health center to make more regular trips to senior centers for services such as chronic disease screenings.
The driver of the mobile health center must be a health department employee. Currently, the mobile health center is usually staffed with two nurses, with one being a contract employee.
“I’m glad to hear there’s interest in the mobile clinic,” and that services may expand, Midden said.
Nelson asked Aeschliman to bring a resolution to next month’s board of health meeting, so the board can vote on the new public health nurse position.
