A recent NBC News data investigation reveals a concerning trend: childhood vaccination rates are plummeting across the United States. This decline poses a significant threat to public health, increasing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases. For years, data on vaccination rates has been scattered across various state health departments, making a comprehensive national picture difficult to obtain. This project compiles data from over 3,000 counties and jurisdictions, providing an unprecedented view of the current state of childhood immunization.
Experts emphasize that vaccination rates of 95% or higher are crucial for establishing herd immunity and preventing widespread disease outbreaks. While 60% of counties met this threshold for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination during the 2019-2020 school year, this number has dropped dramatically. Current data shows that fewer than 40% of counties now achieve this vital vaccination rate. This significant decrease highlights the urgent need for intervention and public health initiatives to reverse this dangerous trend.
Our interactive map allows users to explore vaccination rates in their own communities and track changes over time. Beyond vaccination rates, the data also includes the percentage of school-aged children with vaccine exemptions – both medical and non-medical. Understanding these exemption rates is crucial for pinpointing areas where misinformation or hesitancy may be driving down vaccination coverage.
This analysis underscores the critical importance of childhood vaccinations in protecting individual and community health. The alarming decline in vaccination rates necessitates immediate action to educate the public, address concerns surrounding vaccine safety, and improve access to vaccines. The interactive map and data presented here serve as a crucial tool for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens to understand the scope of this problem and work towards a solution.
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/map-kindergartner-vaccination-rates-are-lowest-rcna229455
