Poll finds 95% of Kansans support wellness vaccines
Nurture KC commissioned a statewide survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, to see how Kansas residents felt about vaccines.
Key Findings
• 95% of Kansas voters believe taking vaccines for such diseases as measles, mumps and polio is “extremely” or “very important” to maintaining good health.
• Across political party lines, Kansas residents strongly believe wellness immunizations are safe, effective and important to stay healthy (94% to 99% depending on party).
• More than 90% of Kansans support wellness vaccine requirements for children to attend school and childcare, and think the authority to set vaccine policy should be left to the state’s health department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
Access Survey Details
The immunization survey results were first shared with lawmakers last week at the Capitol, then publicly released by Nurture KC at the Immunize Kansas Coalition’s virtual legislative reception. As members of Nurture KC and MAIC, you can access the comprehensive survey data and insights on our MEMBERS page. The media also received a summary version of the results, found on our IMMUNIZATION page.
Why does this poll matter?
“Like every state, Kansas requires routine vaccinations to keep our infants and children healthy. But there have been efforts to greatly relax immunization requirements, turning back the clock on one of the most important disease prevention tools of the 20th century,” says Tracy Russell, Executive Director of Nurture KC. “Our comprehensive survey results find that these proposals are out of step and do not represent the beliefs of the vast majority of Kansans. In these uncertain times, routine wellness immunizations is actually a topic with overwhelming bipartisan support.”
Call to Action
“These extreme politics are why it’s critical that 95% of Kansans speak-up for what they believe in – routine wellness immunizations,” says Ali Hilton, Director of the Mid America Immunization Coalition (MAIC), a program of Nurture KC. “Contact your state representative or senator to let them know Kansas vaccine requirements should not be altered. These standards keep us safe.”
Media Coverage So Far
This article by The Kansas City Star gives details on immunization politics and how extreme anti-vax legislators may “do their damage quietly … with few hearings or open discussion.” Nurture KC is quoted in it.
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