March 4, 2025 - American Public News

TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. — Parents may be waiting longer to vaccinate their children against communicable diseases like measles — or forgo the vaccine altogether — and Tompkins County appears to be no exception.While there have been no reported cases in upstate New York, local health officials urged residents to get vaccinated against measles as a high-profile outbreak of the disease spreads in Texas.In a statement, Tompkins County Whole Health Medical Director William Klepack called the local vaccination rate for children “unacceptably low.”“Vaccination in our region has decreased too far in recent years,” Klepack wrote. “Too many people in our region have chosen not to be fully vaccinated for us to be protected from a serious outbreak. It makes the spread of measles in our region very likely should we have a case come here.”As of the beginning of the year, 85.1% of children between the ages of 2-3 in Tompkins County have received one dose of the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), state data shows.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends children receive the first dose of the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella ideally between 12 and 15 months. Children should receive a second dose of the vaccine ideally between the ages of 4 and 6.Tompkins County scores above the statewide average of 81.2% for that age cohort, but remains well short of target numbers. A community is considered to have “herd immunity” if at least 95% of its population is immunized against that disease. “We should be concerned about our low vaccination rates,” Klepack wrote. “The risk of hospitalization significantly increases for those unvaccinated, especially if under the age of five. For every 100 persons hospitalized from measles, we can expect up to three to four deaths to occur.”It’s not clear what Tompkins County’s population-wide measles vaccination rate is currently, but limited census data shows that by the time children are old enough for kindergarten, statewide childhood vaccination rates are closer to target figures. New York requires proof of measles immunity — typically via vaccine — to enroll in any school or childcare programs, public or private.The most recent federal data shows children who started kindergarten in 2023 had an estimated 97.7% vaccination rate as a statewide average. Data on the current class of kindergarten-aged children is not yet available.“Measles is a terrible virus with a very high infection rate in unvaccinated populations,” Tompkins County’s Director of Community Health Services Rachel Buckwalter said. “The MMR vaccine is very effective at preventing measles. We strongly encourage families to make sure their children, especially those under age 5, stay up to date on their vaccination schedule.”While childhood vaccination is most common, adults and older children can receive the vaccine. Typically, immunity from the vaccine lasts for life.Those who are unsure of their vaccination status can call Tompkins County Community Health Services at 607-274-6604 to receive assistance in checking vaccine records. Tompkins County offers regular low or no-cost vaccine clinics for adults and children who are uninsured or who have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccinations. College students can also use the county’s service regardless of their insurance status. The post No measles cases yet, but local vaccinations are below target appeared first on The Ithaca Voice.First published by The Ithaca Voice.

Daily Archives: March 4, 2025

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