A recent study published in JAMA reveals a troubling decline in childhood vaccination rates against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) across much of the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University examined county-level data, finding that 78% of 2,066 counties reported lower vaccination rates, with the average dropping from 94% to 91%. This decline places many regions below the approximately 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity, raising alarms about the increased risk of outbreaks as cases of measles are already being reported among unvaccinated individuals.
Childhood vaccination rates against measles, mumps, and rubella have declined significantly in the U.S. post-COVID, with 78% of counties reporting lower immunization rates.
The county-level mean vaccination rate decreased from nearly 94% before the pandemic to about 91% after, falling below the herd immunity threshold of 95%.
Lauren Gardner emphasizes the importance of understanding local vaccination patterns, as variations can lead to outbreaks, especially in areas with low immunization.
Over 1,088 confirmed measles cases have been reported across the U.S., primarily among unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the risks of declining vaccination rates.
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