Most US counties see drop in children’s MMR vaccination rates: 4 study notes – Becker’s Hospital Review
measles Vaccination Rates Decline in Most U.S. Counties
Updated June 04, 2025
A recent study published in JAMA Network reveals a concerning trend: measles vaccination rates have decreased in the majority of U.S. counties as before the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline in measles vaccination, a critical component of public health, raises alarms about potential outbreaks.
The analysis, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, examined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates across 33 states.The findings indicate a widespread drop in MMR coverage, leaving communities vulnerable to the highly contagious disease. The study highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.
Specifically, 78% of the 2,066 counties studied experienced a decline in MMR vaccination rates between the 2017-2018 and 2023-2024 school years, according to CBS News. The average vaccination rate in those states fell from 93.92% to 91.6%. This decrease in measles vaccination coverage underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccination rates and prevent outbreaks.
Though, not all states experienced declines. California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York saw increases in their average county-level vaccination rates. Data from other states was excluded due to missing information. The varying trends across states highlight the need for localized strategies to address vaccination gaps and improve public health outcomes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 1,088 measles cases as of may 30. Gaines county in West Texas, with just over 80% MMR coverage, has become an outbreak epicenter. This surge represents the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. in over 30 years, with the exception of 2019. The current measles outbreak underscores the importance of achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of the disease.
CDC data also indicates a decrease in kindergarten vaccination rates, from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. Céline Gounder,MD,an editor for public health at KFF health News,noted in a “CBS Evening News” interview that many counties are well below the 95% threshold,making them especially vulnerable to measles outbreaks. The decline in measles vaccination rates among kindergartners is a significant concern, as it increases the risk of outbreaks in schools and communities.
What’s next
Health officials are urging increased efforts to boost measles vaccination rates and prevent further outbreaks. Public health campaigns and targeted interventions are needed to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure widespread MMR coverage.