According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, national measles coverage has fallen to 93.1% during the 2022-2023 school year, a 2% decrease from the 2019-2020 school year. This drop in coverage leaves approximately 250,000 kindergartners at risk for measles infection across the country. The lower vaccination rates have created a concerning trend, leading to recent measles outbreaks in Florida and Philadelphia earlier this year.

Experts warn that the rise in vaccine exemptions, with ten states reporting exemptions exceeding 5%, has left both vaccinated and unvaccinated children vulnerable to diseases like measles. In a recent outbreak at an elementary school in Florida, six children have tested positive for measles so far. Thirty-three students at the school have not received any of the two doses of the MMR vaccine, putting them at risk.

Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and Chief Innovation Officer at Boston Children's Hospital, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, especially with the possibility of local transmission of measles. He highlighted the highly contagious nature of measles and stressed the importance of immediate public health intervention to prevent further spread.

Health officials recommend that unvaccinated children exposed to measles should receive the MMR vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is about 97% effective at preventing measles after two doses. It is crucial to administer the first shot for kids aged 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.

With the majority of measles cases in 2019 occurring among unvaccinated individuals, health authorities stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.