Ohio Has Lowest Vaccine Rate In The Nation

The Centers for Disease Control reports Ohio has the lowest rate of vaccinating children against measles in the country. The state's rate of 86 percent is tied with Colorado and West Virginia. Columbus Public Health spokesman Jose Rodriguez says local health officials were surprised by Ohio's low rate. "Ohio, especially Central Ohio a few years ago we had a very high rate of immunization of children. So we had actually been recognized by CDC for having some of the highest rates in the nation. Actually, the highest rate in the nation," Rodriguez said. Rodriguez says Ohio needs to create a "culture of protection" for its youngest residents. Health officials say a new state law requiring children entering daycare to be vaccinated should help to increase the number of Ohio children who are immunized.