"Fewer San Diego County kindergarteners are getting their state-required childhood vaccinations each year, and their measles immunization rate places the county below herd immunity levels, county data for the last school year shows. Childhood vaccination rates have received heightened attention in recent months, as the country grapples with its highest level of measles cases in 33 years, with total U.S. cases already up fivefold from last year."
"Meanwhile, public health professionals say they worry that the Trump administration in particular Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sowing confusion and skepticism about vaccines. Among other efforts that would hinder access to them, his agency has recently suggested new obstacles for the childhood measles, mumps and rubella vaccine half a century after it came into widespread use. Kindergarteners' vaccination rates nationwide have gradually declined since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,"
San Diego County kindergarten vaccination rates decreased, with only 91.5% up to date on all required childhood vaccines last school year, down from 93.4%. MMR coverage slipped from 95.3% to 93.7%, placing the county below the 95% herd immunity benchmark. National measles cases are at a 33-year high, with U.S. cases up fivefold from last year. Public health professionals express concern that statements and proposals from the administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are increasing confusion and creating new obstacles to vaccine access. Parental support remains high for required childhood vaccines but is lower for flu and COVID-19 shots.
Read at www.sandiegouniontribune.com
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