Measles Vaccine Rates Drop: US Outbreak Risk
- A recent study indicates that childhood measles vaccination rates have decreased across much of the United States as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The study, published in JAMA, analyzed MMR vaccination rates at the county level.
- Of the 2,066 counties analyzed across 33 states, 78% reported a drop in vaccination rates.
U.S.childhood measles vaccination rates have plummeted since the COVID-19 pandemic, heightening the risk of measles outbreaks across the nation. A new study reveals a concerning drop in MMR vaccination among kindergarteners, with 78% of counties analyzed experiencing a decline. The CDC reports 1,088 confirmed measles cases and three deaths this year, nearly all among unvaccinated individuals. These figures underscore the critical need for increased vaccination, as the virus thrives in under-immunized communities. Though some states show betterment, a detailed analysis shows a worrying downward trend, especially in states like Hawaii and Wisconsin. For comprehensive reporting on public health, News Directory 3 keeps you ahead of the curve.Discover what’s next regarding public health initiatives tackling this growing problem.
Measles Vaccination Rates decline Across US, Raising Outbreak Concerns
Updated June 2, 2025
A recent study indicates that childhood measles vaccination rates have decreased across much of the United States as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline raises concerns among health officials about potential measles outbreaks.
The study, published in JAMA, analyzed MMR vaccination rates at the county level. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University gathered data from state health department websites,comparing rates for kindergarteners before (2017-2018) and after (2023-2024) the pandemic. Where county-level data was unavailable, comparable data was used.
Of the 2,066 counties analyzed across 33 states, 78% reported a drop in vaccination rates. The county-level mean vaccination rate fell from nearly 94% pre-pandemic to about 91% post-pandemic. This is below the 95% threshold generally considered necessary for herd immunity against measles,according to public health experts.
Lauren Gardner,senior author of the study and director of Johns Hopkins University’s Centre for Systems Science and Engineering,said the research aimed to provide a more detailed understanding of the vaccination landscape. She noted that while the CDC provides national and state-level data, vaccination patterns can vary significantly within states and even within counties. Gardner added that low vaccination rates increase the likelihood of measles outbreaks if the virus is introduced.
The CDC reports 1,088 confirmed measles cases across 33 jurisdictions as of May 29. Ninety-six percent of these cases occured in individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. In 2025, there have been 14 reported outbreaks and three measles-related deaths, all among unvaccinated individuals. the last confirmed measles-related death in the U.S. prior to this year occurred in 2015.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against measles. The CDC affirms the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, providing lifelong protection for most recipients.
the study identified only four states—california, Connecticut, Maine, and New York—with increased median county-level vaccination rates. Researchers did not investigate the reasons for these differences, but Gardner suggested factors such as pandemic-related healthcare access issues, varying populations, data quality, and vaccine hesitancy all play a role. She also pointed out that the four states with increased rates are among the few that do not allow non-medical exemptions for school immunization requirements.
Gardner highlighted Hawaii’s significant drop in measles vaccine coverage, from around 95% pre-pandemic to approximately 80% post-pandemic. Wisconsin had the lowest average vaccination rate among the states studied,with its most recent rate in the 70s.
What’s next
Further research is needed to understand the specific factors driving the decline in measles vaccination rates and to develop targeted interventions to improve vaccine coverage and prevent future outbreaks.
Related reading
- Sean Diddy Combs Sent to Solitary Confinement After Prison Fight and Release Date Moved
- Shams El Baroudi Visits the Tombs of Her Husband Hassan Youssef and Son Abdullah
- Quantifying Margin of Conservatism Type C for Overlapping One-Year Default Rates (archyde.com)
- UNICEF Delivers Ebola Supplies to Zambia for Outbreak Preparedness (newsy-today.com)