Official Statement: Georgia’s Youngest Children Depend on their Communities to Keep Them Safe from Preventable Disease

Young children deserve to learn and grow without the threat of preventable infectious diseases. As Georgia responds to new measles cases, this time connected to an early learning setting, we are reminded that protecting the health and safety of young children is a shared responsibility. Vaccination is an important part of that shared responsibility. Babies under 12 months are not yet routinely eligible for the MMR vaccine, making the protection provided by those around them especially important.  

Together, we can help ensure that all early learning environments are healthy, safe places where every child can learn, develop, and thrive. GEEARS applauds the Georgia Department of Public Health for their quick action and transparency in handling this issue.

Kristin Bernhard, Chief Executive Officer, GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students