Vaccination Rates For Benton County Students Reach New Low; Nonmedical Exemptions At New High (Photo) - 06/08/26
BENTON COUNTY, Ore.— Benton County Health Department urges parents and caregivers to check their school’s vaccination rate to better understand local risk of disease outbreaks, especially for children who are not up to date on the MMR vaccine for measles.
School-specific immunization rates are available through OHA’s School Immunization Data Dashboard.
Across Oregon, more students than ever are attending school without some or all required vaccines, and Benton County is seeing a similar trend. When vaccination coverage declines, the risk of outbreaks of diseases like measles and pertussis (whooping cough) increases. These diseases spread quickly in schools and childcare programs.
“When vaccine rates decline, we risk seeing the return of harmful diseases such as measles and polio, which are now largely preventable through vaccination,” said Carolina Amador, M.D., health officer and pediatrician for Benton County Health Services.
“While most families in Benton County continue to choose vaccination to protect themselves, the most current vaccination rates are not high enough to prevent measles outbreaks,” Amador said. “Schools vary in their vaccination rates, and we encourage families to look at the rates in their schools to better understand person and community risk."
School Exclusion During an Outbreak
Under Oregon law, students who are not fully vaccinated may be excluded from school or childcare during an outbreak. This helps protect them and prevent the disease from spreading.
Exclusions can last from several days to several weeks, depending on the disease. For example, during a measles outbreak, students who are not vaccinated must stay home for at least 21 days. Missing school can disrupt learning, activities, and family schedules.
Get Ready for the Next School Year
Summer is a great time for parents and caregivers to check their children’s vaccine statuses and avoid delays when school starts. Benton County Health Department encourages people to:
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Check which vaccines are required for school and childcare.
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Review child vaccine records.
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Schedule any needed vaccine appointments.
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Ask questions about school vaccine requirements and other recommended vaccines.
If children need vaccines, contact their doctor or call Benton County Health Department at 541-766-6835. Their Public Health Immunization Clinic at 530 NW 27th Street, Corvallis is open Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.
“Our Public Health Immunization Clinic is different than a primary care vaccine appointment,” said Luv Paresa, RN, immunization coordinator for Benton County Health Department. “We have longer appointment times so we can help folks update vaccine records.
“Whether they have moved here from another state or country, we can ensure the records are updated and ready for school. We take time to answer any questions or concerns and can accommodate family preferences or alternate schedules,” Paresa said.
For more information, visit Benton County’s immunizations webpage.
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Benton County Health Department
The Benton County Health Department is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Benton County. The Benton County Health Department focuses on preventing health problems before they occur. Their programs strive to create community conditions that help reduce health disparities, so all people have an equal chance for a long and healthy life.
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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
