With the ongoing worries surrounding the Delta variant, many parents are understandably focused on protecting their children under 12. If your little ones are attending school, you have likely become a master of mask management, constantly asking, “Do you have your mask? Did you grab the extra one?” You sanitize everything and felt a wave of relief with the announcement of a vaccine for younger kids. Kudos to you for keeping up with COVID precautions! But here’s a crucial question: Are your children current on their routine vaccinations?
If your answer is “Well, with everything going on with COVID…” it’s time to rethink your priorities. Research from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that the pandemic has led to significant declines in routine childhood vaccinations, putting kids at serious risk. Vaccination rates for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) dropped by a median of 22% to 63% for children aged 12-23 months and 2-8 years old. Similarly, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) shots saw reductions of almost 16% in children under 24 months and 60% in those aged 2-6. Despite some parents attempting to catch up, the numbers show that it hasn’t been sufficient.
A study published in Pediatrics revealed alarming trends: MMR vaccination coverage in children under 16 months has significantly declined from 2019 levels and continues to worsen. In every age group, measles vaccination rates remain below pre-pandemic levels. Action is required now—get your kids vaccinated.
The Urgent Need for Vaccination
It’s been a year and a half since the pandemic began, and pediatricians have adapted to safely provide care. Your children are already familiar with sanitizing and masking. Hesitating to visit the doctor due to fear of COVID is no longer a valid excuse. Kids are likely exposed to germs from classmates who may not follow hygiene protocols, making a trip to the pediatrician’s office safer than staying home.
Your concerns about COVID should not overshadow the potential outbreaks of measles, whooping cough, and other dangerous diseases that may arise from low vaccination rates. Yvonne Lawson, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ committee on infectious diseases, expressed concern over these potential outbreaks as states begin to reopen.
While you are worried about your kids contracting COVID, consider the risks of measles if they are not up to date with their vaccinations. Epidemiologists are raising alarms, and their expertise is crucial—this is not the time to ignore their warnings.
A Call to Action
Remember the measles outbreaks in New York and Rockland County from 2018-2019? The US reported 1,249 cases that year, while only 13 cases were reported last year due to social distancing. However, measles requires a coverage rate of 93-95% for herd immunity, and during the Rockland outbreak, the coverage was a mere 77%. Are you aware of the vaccination rates at your child’s school? Many schools lack proper tracking mechanisms, and a quarter do not even have nurses on staff to monitor immunization status.
As international travel resumes, diseases like measles could easily cross borders. The CDC reported a hospitalization rate of 10% for measles, which is significantly higher than the hospitalization rate for COVID among children. With pediatric ICUs currently overwhelmed, now is not the time to risk your child’s health by delaying vaccination.
The drop in measles vaccination is alarming. Even a small decrease in vaccination rates could lead to significant outbreaks. And it’s not just measles we need to worry about; mumps, HPV, and chickenpox vaccinations have also seen declines. The responsibility of public health does not rest solely on the pandemic—it’s vital to ensure all vaccinations are up to date.
If you are waiting for a COVID vaccine for your child but haven’t ensured they’ve received their chickenpox vaccine, it’s time to reassess your priorities. This is a collective effort in public health, and we must all do our part. Don’t let fear hold you back—take your child to the doctor, and reward them afterward with something special.
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Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant declines in routine childhood vaccinations, endangering children’s health and increasing the risk of outbreaks for diseases like measles and whooping cough. Parents must prioritize getting their children vaccinated, as pediatricians have adjusted to safely provide care. Awareness of vaccination rates in schools is crucial, and the responsibility to protect public health extends beyond COVID-19. Taking action now is vital to prevent future outbreaks and ensure a healthier generation.
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