Over the past two years, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has significantly increased student immunization rates through Operation Immunize IPS. The district reduced the percentage of students missing required vaccinations from 32% at the start of 2024 to just 5% by the end of 2025.
Dr. Megan Carlson, director of Health Services for IPS, led this initiative in response to nationwide measles outbreaks and a confirmed case in Indiana. “Cutting the number of students missing required vaccinations so dramatically in two years is a milestone we can all celebrate,” she said. “Operation Immunize IPS is about more than compliance. It’s about keeping our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn every day.”
At the beginning of 2024, nearly one-third of IPS students were not up-to-date on their immunizations, with some schools reporting rates as high as 55%. To address this, IPS set clear goals and partnered with organizations such as the Indiana Immunization Coalition, Marion County Public Health Department, Franciscan Health, and the Indiana Department of Health. Over two years, they held more than 126 school-based vaccination clinics to improve access for families.
By late 2025, only 5% of students remained without required immunizations—an improvement of 84% across the district. Many students are now on track to complete their vaccine series.
To continue this progress, IPS obtained over $250,000 in grant funding from Healthy First Indiana to start an internal vaccination program. This allows Health Services to provide vaccines directly to families and helps reduce barriers related to access and scheduling.
The district’s efforts have been recognized both statewide and nationally. IPS received the 2025 School Immunization Champion Award. Dr. Carlson was also honored with the 2025 Immunization Champion Award from the CDC and Association of Immunization Managers.
Looking ahead, Dr. Carlson emphasized ongoing efforts: “IPS is proving that schools can be true champions of public health,” she said. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and even more excited about the work ahead to keep every student and family safe.”
IPS serves over 30,000 students through a network of schools in central Indianapolis and is considered Indiana’s largest public school district according to its official website. The district prioritizes racial equity as part of its strategic focus while providing personalized education aimed at academic excellence [source]. Superintendent Aleesia Johnson leads these initiatives [source].