QUICK SUMMARY
Measles vaccination rates among California kindergarten students have dropped, with 16 counties losing herd immunity. Sutter County reports the lowest rate at 75.8%, while Los Angeles County maintains a high rate of 97.1%. Experts warn that declining vaccination rates may lead to increased outbreaks of measles and other childhood diseases.
California's kindergarten vaccination rates have declined, leading to the loss of herd immunity against measles in 16 counties. Sutter County reports the lowest vaccination rate at 75.8%, while Los Angeles County maintains a high rate of 97.1%. San Bernardino County's vaccination rate is below the herd immunity threshold at 93.5%. Dr. Alvaro Garcia from Loma Linda University Children's Hospital warned that other childhood diseases, such as whooping cough, are on the rise. New nationwide data from the CDC reveals that only 92.5% of America's kindergarten students were vaccinated for measles last year. The last time the nation achieved herd immunity was in 2020, with a vaccination rate of 95.2%. The decline in vaccination rates could lead to increased outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases. Public health officials are urging communities to prioritize immunization to protect children’s health.