Why New York’s Vaccine Coverage Remains High, and Why We Can’t Let Our Guard Down
New data on childhood vaccinations shows many states are continuing to decline in coverage after a big hit during the pandemic. However, New Yorkers have a different story: we continue to be one of the state leaders in vaccine coverage. It’s something to celebrate, but importantly, we can’t let our guard down.
Why does New York have high rates?
One big reason is the elimination of non-medical vaccine exemptions. Shortly after a major measles outbreak in New York City in 2019, which led to 20 kids in the intensive-care unit, New York passed a law that made it the fifth US state to eliminate non-medical exemptions. This directly increased vaccination coverage in public and private schools.
All states, including New York, still allow medical exemptions, such as when someone is allergic to a vaccine component.
Does this mean we are in the clear?
Not really. While the state average is high, there are still counties with very low rates. These unvaccinated pockets – like Rockland, Yates, and Orange – have vaccination rates between 54% and 58%. All these counties need is a spark – an infected person traveling – to spread measles like wildfire.
There are sparks out there. This year, there have been 13 measles cases in New York City and at least one in New York outside the city. And there are other diseases like polio and whooping cough to be concerned about.
How can I persuade hesitant people?
It takes listening, time, and hearing the right things from a trusted source. Research shows health care providers are among the most influential factors in whether parents vaccinate their children.
Local health departments in New York state provide annual training to clinicians about evidence-based strategies to increase vaccination among populations with low or lagging rates, considering vaccine hesitancy.
Talk to your local health department for their next training date.
Bottom line
New York has some of the highest vaccination rates in the country. And we should be proud of that. But we can’t let our guard down, as pockets of under-vaccination still pose a serious risk for outbreaks.
Conclusion
While New York has high vaccine coverage, it’s essential to remain vigilant and address the remaining pockets of low vaccination rates. This will help prevent potential outbreaks and ensure the health and well-being of our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I’m hesitant about vaccinations?
A: Speak with your healthcare provider and consider talking to a trusted friend or family member who has been vaccinated.
Q: What vaccines do my children need?
A: You can refer to the list of required vaccinations in the article or consult with your healthcare provider.
Q: Can I still get measles if I’ve been vaccinated?
A: While the MMR vaccine is highly effective, it’s not 100% effective. However, the risk of getting measles if you’ve been vaccinated is still much lower than for someone who hasn’t been vaccinated.
Q: How can I get the latest information on vaccine hesitancy?
A: Talk to your healthcare provider or local health department for the latest information and resources available.
