Measles vaccination rates decline in Missouri and across U.S.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Measles vaccination rates are declining in Missouri and across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the 2023-24 school year 90.4% of kindergarten students were vaccinated for the measles compared to 91.3% during the 2022-2023 school year, according to the CDC.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports preliminary self-reported data shows 90.50% of students were fully vaccinated in the state in 2023. DHSS says the vaccination rate is too low to protect kids from outbreaks. In Boone County of that year, 93.92% were fully vaccinated.

There are no reported cases of the measles in Missouri, but there is a growing outbreak in West Texas that has left a child dead, which is the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015, when a woman in Washington state died.

The Texas Department of Health Services reported on Tuesday the number of confirmed cases is at 124. Most of the cases are in children ages 5-17. Last year the CDC reported 285 total cases reported in the U.S.

MU Health Care Dr. Amruta Padye said the vaccination rates are declining because of vaccine hesitancy.

"People not wanting to get their vaccines, um number of vaccine hesitant person, those who are declining vaccines altogether," Padhye said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Padhye said vaccine hesitancy has been fueled by misinformation, despite evidence proving vaccines are safe. The decline rates over the years is putting public health at risk.

"Nine-out-of-10 non-immunized meaning susceptible will catch the virus if they are around a person with measles, declining vaccinations because of hesitancy and vaccine denial is making its comeback again, " Padhye said.

The measles disease was considered eliminated in 2000.

"Herd immunity will also lower so people that have legitimate reasons to not get a vaccine will be more exposed," Columbia/Boone County Health Department spokesman Austin Krohn said.

Herd immunity occurs when 95% of the community is vaccinated and vaccination numbers are below that. Measles is a contagious disease and most cases are reported among preschool children, adolescents and young adults. Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of getting the disease, according to DHSS.

Symptoms of the measles include:

• Fever 103-105
• Red, blotchy rash
• Red, inflamed eyes
• Runny nose
• Cough and sore throat
• White spots

The leases MMR vaccine is very safe and effective, the CDC says. When more than 95% of people in the community are vaccinated, most people are protected through herd community.

The measles vaccine is done is two doses. Health officials say children should be vaccinated at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years old.

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department conducts immunizations Monday through Friday by appointment.

Health officials say if you are hesitant, you should speak to your doctor.