Massachusetts Children's Vaccination Rates Remain Steady but Show Declines in Some Counties and Schools

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released data on immunization rates among kindergarten students for the current school year. Overall vaccination rates remained stable compared to the previous year. The data covers vaccinations against diseases including measles and whooping cough.

Seven of Massachusetts' 14 counties did not meet the 95 percent vaccination threshold required for herd immunity against measles, an increase from five counties the prior year. Franklin County, a rural area, reported vaccination rates below 90 percent for measles.

In Dukes County, which includes Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands, nearly 10 percent of kindergartners have vaccine exemptions.

The report identified specific gaps in school-level coverage. Kindergarten classes in 86 schools did not reach the recommended vaccination levels for whooping cough immunity. Additionally, 163 kindergarten classes fell short of herd immunity rates for measles.

Religious exemptions from required school vaccinations rose to 1,068 this school year, a 23 percent increase from the previous year and the highest number on record. This marks the fifth consecutive year of increases in such exemptions. The Massachusetts Legislature is considering legislation to ban these exemptions.

““The risks are higher:” Children’s vaccination rates in Mass. steady, but cracks show in coverage”

Dr. Stevens noted that the data may not reflect delays in vaccinations among younger children on alternate schedules. Local health officials in areas with low vaccination rates are preparing for potential outbreaks.

In Franklin County, a state grant of nearly $500,000 annually funded new hires and identified volunteers to staff clinics during a possible measles outbreak. Phoebe Walker, director of community health for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, stated that officials are actively preparing for the potential of an outbreak. Massachusetts reported one measles case within the state this year.

Experts anticipate additional imported cases. In response, Massachusetts officials have advocated for evidence-based vaccination policies.

These efforts aim to maintain high immunization levels amid national trends.