During the last ten yeras, the state has seen a doubling in immunziation exemption rates for children.

The Immunization Coordinator for Deschutes County, Heather Kaisner says exemption rates are up here as well.

"You know it doesn't surprise me -- unfortunately it's been creeping up every year for the last several years.  The state went from 5.8 percent to 6.4 percent.  In Deschutes County, we also went rom 7.7 percent to 8.1 percent. We're definitely higher than the state average which is definitely a concern in our county and region."

Last year Oregon had more than 800 cases of Pertussis, the highest rate since the 1950's.