A partnership between the Marion County Public Health Department and the Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU Indianapolis has immunized over 1,000 students in its first few months. This milestone is part of a broader initiative providing critical health services to students, staff and community members.
The program is a collaboration among Marion County schools, the Marion County Public Health Department and the Fairbanks School. It offers a suite of services to Marion County schools, including immunization clinics and training for Stop the Bleed, CPR and naloxone administration education.
With childhood immunization rates sometimes lower than 70% for measles, mumps and rubella in some Marion County schools — far below the 95% needed for herd immunity for measles — these clinics play a vital role in protecting public health. The program is especially critical as measles cases in the U.S. quadrupled in 2024 compared to 2023.
“All students should have the opportunity to thrive in school, and school-based vaccine clinics reduce barriers for families who might not be able to make it to a primary-care appointment,” said Shanda Eickelberger, CCHW, school liaison at the Fairbanks School. “This program, assisted by the Fairbanks School, is working to ensure every child receives essential care. This allows children and families a healthier school year, which correlates to fewer absences and more time learning in the classroom.”
Schools throughout Marion County have hosted school-based immunization clinics in their facilities.
“Ensuring children are fully immunized is essential not only for their health but for the well-being of our entire community,” said Meg Carlson, DrPH, MSN, director of health services for Indianapolis Public Schools and an alumna of the Fairbanks School. “This initiative makes immunizations accessible to every student, particularly those who might otherwise face barriers, like missing records or being new to the country.”
The program also addresses the unique needs of Marion County’s wide-ranging student population, including children from immigrant families and those who frequently change schools. Through partnerships with the statewide Children and Hoosiers Immunization Record Program registry, known as CHIRP, providers ensure accurate tracking and timely delivery of vaccines.
Throughout Marion County, the initiative also strengthens school safety and staff preparedness through Stop the Bleed, CPR and naloxone training.
“We’ve trained school staff, including teachers, social workers, bus drivers and custodial staff, on life-saving measures that can make a critical difference in emergencies,” Eickelberger said.
The program is supported by a team of Fairbanks student interns, including one who serves as a translator for immigrant and refugee families — a testament to the program’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
With over 400 schools in Marion County, the initiative exemplifies the impact of collaboration in addressing public health challenges.
“School health is community health,” said Melissa McMasters, RN, administrator of immunization and infectious disease programs at the Marion County Public Health Department. “By ensuring our students are protected, we are safeguarding the future of our community.”
The Marion County Public Health Department is recognized by the Public Health Foundation as an academic public health department. This is a partnership between an academic institution and a public health agency that provides overlap and knowledge sharing in research, teaching and service.