May 12, 2025 Pennsylvania Key Releases Resources to Prevent Measles Outbreak The Pennsylvania Key has released new resources on measles as part of its health-related trends in early childhood for May. Measles Outbreak The resources were released amid a global measles resurgence that has increased the risk of outbreaks in the United States. Outbreak cases of measles – which is the most highly contagious preventable disease – have been reported in 12 states, including Pennsylvania. As of mid-April, a total of 800 U.S. cases have been reported, which is a 180 percent increase over the number of 2024 cases. About 96 percent of people who caught the illness were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. Two school-aged children and one adult, all unvaccinated, have died from the disease. The Pennsylvania Key’s resources include: A short video on the 5 Things You Need to Know About Measles Three lessons learned from the current outbreak from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center Pennsylvania Department of Health’s measles fact sheet Information for caregivers or staff to prevent measles spread in school or child care settings Information on the measles vaccine Measles can be dangerous, especially for infants, young children, pregnant women, and unvaccinated people. Children and caregivers or staff could miss child care or school for long periods of time if they catch the measles. The disease can lead to severe complications that could result in hospitalization or death. For more information, visit The Pennsylvania Key’s website.
October 7, 2024 PA Department of Health Sends Immunization Survey to Providers With October Deadline The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is sending a survey regarding child care immunization records to all licensed providers. Learn More The annual reporting of immunizations by all licensed child care providers is a state requirement. In recent years, the requirement was met by the DOH and County Municipal Health Department (CMHD) staff visiting a random sample of providers to review and document the status of immunization records. However, this method did not give the DOH a complete picture of the immunization status of child care providers statewide or identify areas of the state that could benefit from additional education or vaccination services. As a result, the process to meet state reporting requirements has changed this year and involves two processes that have or will take place: The DOH and CMHD staff visited a random sample of providers over the summer but only to educate, provide resource materials, and help providers read and understand vaccination records A new Child Care Reporting survey is now required. It needs to be completed by all licensed child care providers even if they received a visit by a DOH or CMHD staff member this summer. The survey will be used to assist the DOH in identifying areas of the state that may require additional education and outreach services regarding immunizations and vaccine availability. Once a provider submits the survey, a copy of responses will be emailed to the address listed on the survey. The survey must be completed by no later than Thursday, Oct. 31.
July 24, 2024 Changes Announced for DOH Staff Visits to Child Care Providers The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will continue their collaboration regarding immunizations for children and staff at child care providers. However, there will be some changes this year regarding visits to providers and the reporting of each child’s immunization status. Learn More A letter from OCDEL to child care providers states that, beginning in July, DOH field nurses and local Municipality Department of Health field staff will visit randomly selected providers to offer immunization education and resource materials for staff and parents or caregivers. A review of child immunization records can be provided if requested by the child care provider. Providers will be able to ask questions and request specific educational resources from the field nurses and staff who visit their facilities. Additionally, the DOH will send out electronic surveys to all child care providers regarding the immunization status of every enrolled child at their facility. These surveys will serve as the mandatory reporting requirements for child care settings outlined in DOH regulations. The surveys are expected to be sent out later this summer. Child care providers who are randomly scheduled for a visit should expect a phone call or email from DOH or the local municipality. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to the DOH’s Janine Strick at 717-878-5681.
