Published: September 11, 2022
Updated: September 01, 2023 at 04:43PM
Overview
Welcome to my data analysis of immunization levels among schools in New York State. This page presents a cross-sectional choropleth map alongside longitudinal trend graphs arrayed by county for each of the following vaccine-uptake indicators: complete vaccination, Diphtheria vaccination, Hepatitis B vaccination, Measles vaccination, Mumps vaccination, Polio vaccination, Rubella vaccination, and Varicella vaccination. The data used in this analysis come from the New York State Department of Health via the Health Data NY open data platform, and covers the period beginning with the 2012-13 school year.
In order to provide an in-depth understanding of immunization levels in schools throughout New York State, I have included both cross-sectional and longitudinal data visualizations. The cross-sectional data, represented in the choropleth maps, show snapshot views of immunization levels across the state for the latest year of data available. The longitudinal data, represented in the trend graphs, show fluctuations in immunization levels over time.
The visualizations presented in this analysis can be used to inform public health policy and practice in regards to immunization levels among schools in New York State. By understanding the current levels of vaccination and trends over time, public health officials can target efforts to increase vaccination rates and protect against the spread of preventable diseases. Additionally, these data can be used to identify potential barriers to vaccination so and inform strategies for overcoming them.
I hope that this analysis helps to provide a better understanding of immunization levels among schools in New York State, and supports both individual and collective efforts to protect and promote the health of our communities.
Complete Vaccination
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Graph Prepared By: By Antigen
Diphtheria
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Graph Prepared By: Hepatitis B
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Graph Prepared By: Measles
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Graph Prepared By: Mumps
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Graph Prepared By: Polio
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Graph Prepared By: Rubella
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Graph Prepared By: Varicella
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Graph Prepared By: Technical Notes
Dataset Description
Description is adapted and excerpted from https://health.data.ny.gov/api/views/5pme-xbs5/files/038a2ab6-a9fc-4825-b838-deaa3173c615?download=true&filename=NYSDOH_School_Immunization_Rates_Overview.pdf:
Aggregate data from schools in New York State on the immunization status of all students attending school. Also, includes state- and county- level summaries. New York State Public Health Law Section 2164 (PHL Section 2164) requires that children attending public and private school in New York State be immunized against the diseases cited in PHL Section 2164. PHL Section 2164 also requires schools to annually submit a summary of the immunization status of the students attending school. The purpose of conducting an annual immunization survey is to identify and monitor under-immunized children attending school to ensure high immunization coverage rates which will reduce or eliminate vaccine preventable diseases in the New York State population.
Data Methodology
Methodology is adapted and excerpted from https://health.data.ny.gov/api/views/5pme-xbs5/files/038a2ab6-a9fc-4825-b838-deaa3173c615?download=true&filename=NYSDOH_School_Immunization_Rates_Overview.pdf:
The School Immunization Survey data are reported via the Bureau of Immunization Online School Assessment Survey (OSAS) in the New York State Health Commerce System. New York City public schools report the immunization status of all students via the Automate the Schools system. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides the aggregate data, by district, to the New York State Department of Health. Children are considered immunized against a particular disease if they have received all required doses for their grade or, as appropriate, if they have documented immunity of disease through serologic testing. Serologic evidence of immunity is only allowed for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and poliomyelitis (must be positive for all 3 serotypes found in the polio vaccine). Additionally, a physician, nurse-practitioner, or physician-assistant statement demonstrating that a child had varicella (chickenpox) may satisfy evidence of varicella immunity. Valid medical or religious exemptions to one or more required immunizations are allowed under PHL Section 2164.
Limitations of Use
Limitations are adapted and excerpted from https://health.data.ny.gov/api/views/5pme-xbs5/files/038a2ab6-a9fc-4825-b838-deaa3173c615?download=true&filename=NYSDOH_School_Immunization_Rates_Overview.pdf:
These data are self-reported by schools. Data are presented in term of percentages in order to eliminate confidentiality issues for schools with a small number of students. The data for the individual public schools in New York City is not reported separately from the school district data.