California is seeing a slight decline in measles vaccination rates among kindergarten students, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The statewide rate for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has dipped from 94% in the 2020-21 school year to just over 92% in 2023-24. While the majority of children are still protected, some counties have fallen below the 95% level that health experts recommend to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles.
In 16 counties across the state, including San Bernardino and Sacramento, vaccination rates have dropped below that target. Pediatricians note that maintaining high immunization coverage is important to safeguard community health, especially in schools and childcare settings where children are in close contact.
Chad Vercio, MD, division chief of general pediatrics at Loma Linda University Children’s Health, explained that while measles is rare thanks to vaccination efforts, it can still pose risks if communities become less protected over time.
Vercio said he and other local pediatricians have noticed a “significant” rise in vaccine hesitancy since the pandemic began. He said some parents, influenced by misinformation found online, including the debunked link between vaccines and autism, now refuse to even discuss immunizations with their doctors.
"Not only are you putting yourself at risk and your child at risk, but other people are at risk,” said Vercio. “There's a great preventive measure that's out there. Go to your pediatrician’s office and get the vaccine."
Stay up to date on your child’s vaccines. Call 877-558-6248, or click here to learn more about immunization screenings.
More stories about: Children’s Hospital Children's health
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