Minnesota kindergartners have third lowest measles vaccination rate in U.S.
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As kids start looking ahead to the new school year, health officials are looking at new immunization data — and it’s showing rates have continued to fall over the last year especially in Minnesota.
Kindergartners in our state have the second and third lowest vaccination levels in the country for DTaP and MMR, respectively, at 86 percent for both. These two vaccines are combination shots that protect against a myriad of diseases like whooping cough and measles.
Minnesota also has one of the highest exemption rates at 6.9 percent.
Dr. Andrea Singh, chair of pediatrics at HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, said these numbers reflect what she’s been seeing in her office.
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“More and more in a clinic setting, we’re getting a lot of parents that are questioning the need for vaccinations or the motivation behind vaccines.”
She said there are numerous factors that could be leading to the decline but noted in Minnesota particularly there was a campaign in the late 1990s and 2000s.
“There was a very targeted effort by some anti-vaccination groups to talk to immigrant communities and make some unfounded links between MMR vaccines, in particular, and the likelihood that your child would have autism.”
The major concern from health officials as rates fall for the MMR vaccination is the loss of what’s called “herd immunity.” That’s when at least 90 percent of the population is vaccinated in order to protect those who haven’t been vaccinated or more vulnerable populations.
Dr. Singh said what many might not know is that measles is one of the most contagious and dangerous diseases. One person with measles could spread it to 10 to 12 people if they’re breathing the same air. It can also lead to other serious illness like subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a degenerative and almost always deadly brain disease that appears years after recovery from measles.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the revamping of the childhood vaccine schedule.
As the public sentiment and policies around vaccinations continue to shift, Dr. Singh said it’s important for people — especially those who may have concerns about vaccines — to talk with a trusted medical provider.
“Ask the questions, don’t be scared,” Dr. Singh. “Ask and we can help work with you on helping to make you comfortable. But we know 100 percent that vaccines, in general, are safe and they save lives.”
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.
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