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NMDH: Childhood vaccination rates falling
A graph showing vaccination rates for MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) in New Mexico for the last three years — measles is so contagious that coverage should be 95% or higher. (Courtesy NMDH)
Vaccination rates have dropped for children in New Mexico and nationwide. As a result, the New Mexico Department of Health is reminding parents to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
Immunizations build up defenses against viruses such as the chicken pox, whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella. Rates of immunization for school-aged children have declined since 2020 statewide and nationally, NMDH says. According to the CDC, U.S. rates dropped to 94% in 2020-21.
New Mexico rates for the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, dropped for those in kindergarten from 97% in 2019-20 to 94.3% in 2021-22.
NMDH encourages parents to check with their local health care provider to get their children up to date on common vaccines.
