Ph.D. student presents to CDC regarding immunization exemptions

Duduzile Phindile Mashinini, M.S., a doctoral student in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D. program, presented her research to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding her research focused on immunization exemptions.

She presented virutally, using Skype, at the CDC Assessment Branch Meeting, in front of members of the Program Operations Branch, Immunization Service Division (ISD) and to ISD leadership. 

Mashinini's research looks at philosophical immunization exemption rates among kindergartners to measure the effect of Michigan’s 2015 nonmedical immunization exemption rule change. Using immunization exemption data from 1,993 schools, the study explored factors associated with such exemptions among kindergartners as a result of Michigan’s 2015 administrative rule change for parents.

The study showed that Michigan's 2015 administrative rule change for nonmedical immunization exemptions was effective in decreasing philosophical immunization exemption rates overall at the kindergarten level in Michigan.

"However, even after the policy's implementation," said Mashinini, "high philosophical exemption rates in Michigan are still associated with private schools, schools in rural areas, and schools with low free and reduced school lunch rates (meaning high socioeconomic status schools)."

From the results of the study, Mashinini recommended to health officials that they implement targeted vaccine intervention campaigns in these areas to further reduce nonmedical immunization exemptions.

"It's impressive for a student to present to this group at the CDC," said Dr. Kieran Fogarty, director of the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D. Program and Mashinini's doctoral advisor. "Phindi has done excellent research in this area and she really did a great job with her presentation."

Mashinini continues her research in this area as she prepares for her dissertation. She plans to finish her Ph.D. by spring 2018.