Erie SD health services reports 526 students noncompliant with school-required vaccines; clinics planned

Carrie Roach, the district’s supervisor of health services, told the board that 526 students were out of compliance with school‑required vaccinations as of the meeting and described a series of community immunization clinics planned ahead of the start of school.

Roach said the district tracked vaccination status and that earlier data (as of July 22) had been updated “as of today” for the board. She reported totals by level and that the high‑school‑level numbers were the most concerning because of required meningitis doses for incoming 12th graders.

The health services office worked with LECOM, UPMC and Community Health Net to run clinics; Roach said an event at the district’s National Night Out vaccinated 20 students. Upcoming clinics listed in the meeting packet and by Roach include a Friday clinic at Piper Burley, one at Erie High on Aug. 12 timed with a 12th‑grade open house, and additional clinics on Aug. 13 at Strong Vincent Middle School and at other open houses.

Roach said the community‑school directors and district staff were helping with outreach — door‑to‑door contact and phone calls — and that flyers and social media posts would publicize the clinics. Board members suggested also using community centers, and Roach said she would pursue broad, community‑based clinic locations where possible, while noting vaccine costs and uncertainty about exact quantities make planning challenging.

Board members asked whether the 526 figure included religious or philosophical exemptions; Roach said it did not include students with formal opt‑outs and that exemption numbers would be provided in the district’s December submission. She said the district has seen an increase in exemptions since COVID and that schools are continuing education and outreach efforts to families.

No formal board action or vote was recorded on immunization policy during the meeting.