Measles Vaccinations Dramatically Decreased During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a new study indicating a significant decrease in measles vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On June 17, 2021, the AAP revealed vaccine uptake and vaccination coverage for measles-containing vaccines decreased compared with the corresponding months in 2019. Total and measles-containing vaccine administration declined (-25.2% for those under 2), (-83.0% for those 2 to 6), and (-87.6% for those 13 to 18).

However, complete vaccination coverage changed minimally at ages 7 and 13 years, it declined gradually at age 17 years.

This observational, retrospective, open cohort study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, an integrated health care system providing prepaid services for 4.6 million members whose socio-demographics mirror the diverse Southern California population.

This is very important to public health because high levels of population immunity are required to prevent outbreaks of many vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), says the AAP. Therefore, continued efforts to increase recommended vaccine uptake and ongoing monitoring of their impact on vaccination coverage in all pediatric age cohorts for possible improvements will be essential to preventing future outbreaks of VPDs.

The M-M-R II vaccine is indicated for simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella in the USA. This vaccine is usually given to children 1-year of age or older.