Missouri sees declining vaccination rates
COLUMBIA, MO. (KMIZ)
One doctor at MU Healthcare said that she is seeing a declining vaccination rate and, because of this, we could see a more intense flu season.
Dr. Amruta Padye, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at the University of Missouri, said the state is seeing a decline in vaccinations.
"Therefore, we could anticipate that this flu season could be severe because of declining vaccination rates. However, you know, every flu season is very unpredictable," said Padye.
When looking at the numbers from last flu season, Padye said across the country there were 32 million illnesses reported, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths.
According to America's Health Rankings, 41.3% of adults in Missouri said they got a seasonal flu vaccine in 2023-24. Padye said the typical flu season peaks in January or February, but some seasons can see two peaks.
"The flu season is really long, starting all the way from October. And kind of, and then ending in May. But the peak of the flu season is the coldest part of the winter months," said Padye.
MU Health Care plans to host influenzas and COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru event; the first one 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Fulton Family Health at 2613 Fairway Dr.
Measles is also on the rise in Missouri. As of last Thursday, there have been seven cases reported in the state.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, to achieve herd immunity, 95% of the community needs to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles MMR vaccine.
Missouri has a measles vaccination rate of 89.5%; Cole County has the highest rate at 96.2%, while Benton County has the lowest rate at 64.7%. Boone County is at 94.5%. Padye said herd immunity is very important in communities to avoid outbreaks.
"So herd immunity is important for certain. Of course, it's important for all vaccine-preventable diseases. But in cases of measles, which is highly infectious, we need a higher level of herd immunity," Padye said.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advises contacting a doctor to schedule a measles vaccine if you do not already have one. Pharmacists can also administer the vaccine to children 7 years old and older without a prescription.
