Kids skipping shots increases threat of dangerous outbreak

One in three Arizona schools last year had kindergarten classes with vaccination rates so low children were left vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks such as measles, mumps or pertussis, an Arizona Daily Star investigation has found.

Pima County school vaccination rates

Statewide school vaccination rates

A Star investigation found that one in three Arizona schools have vaccination levels that are below safe levels that prevent an infection from developing into a full blown outbreak. Here are statewide stats.

Chat transcript: Star vaccination investigation

Star reporters Stephanie Innes and Rob O'Dell chatted live about how unvaccinated kids threaten all of us.

Where to get childhood immunizations

• Students from the University of Arizona College of Medicine will be holding free Tot Shot clinics this summer at the Community Food Bank, 3003 S. Country Club Road. The clinics are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on July 28 and Aug. 18.

Factors that make for 'herd immunity'

If enough people are vaccinated, an isolated case of infectious disease will not morph into a full-blown outbreak.

PDF: Vaccines AZ kindergartners must have to attend school

How we got the story

The Arizona Daily Star first requested vaccination data broken down by schools from the Arizona Department of Health Services on Jan. 4.

Why this topic?

Public service is an important part of the Arizona Daily Star's mission.