Clark County kindergartners’ measles vaccine rate falls

The measles vaccination rate is dropping perilously low, and online misinformation is to blame, according to Clark County Public Health officials.

So far this year, a total of 378 confirmed measles cases were reported nationwide by 18 states, including Washington, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At least 95 percent of residents must be vaccinated against measles to achieve herd immunity for the highly contagious disease, according to Clark County Public Health Director Dr. Alan Melnick.

Data from the Washington State Department of Health shows that during the 2023-24 school year, 94.5 percent of K-12 students in Clark County had completed their measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. However, the measles vaccination rate among Clark County kindergartners specifically was 89.9 percent during that same period, down from 92.1 percent in 2019.

Immunization rates vary across schools and districts, with rates at some public schools around 80 percent, and several private schools around 60 percent, Melnick said.

“Misinformation about the seriousness of measles infection and the MMR vaccine can make people believe they or their children do not need to get vaccinated. This contributes to low vaccination rates,” Melnick said.

No measles cases have been reported in Clark County so far this year. Statewide, two measles cases have been confirmed. The first case, reported Feb. 27 by King County health officials, involved an unvaccinated infant who may have been exposed during recent travel abroad. The second case, confirmed March 17, involved an adult resident of Snohomish County who was likely exposed at a location where the infant had visited while contagious, according to King County health officials.

“Measles is extremely contagious and can spread from an infected person who is breathing, talking or coughing. After an infected person leaves an area, the virus can linger in that area, such as in the air, for up to two hours,” Melnick said. “With social media and other online forums, some people struggle to find accurate, science-based information about measles and the MMR vaccine, or they don’t know what information to believe.”

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles symptoms don’t appear until 10 to 14 days after exposure. Those symptoms include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever, and a red, blotchy skin rash, according to the CDC.

People who have had two doses of the MMR vaccine are protected against infection if they are exposed. While having two doses is 97 percent effective, people who are immune and exposed to measles should still monitor themselves for symptoms.

The last measles outbreak in Clark County began Jan. 3, 2019, when laboratory testing confirmed measles in a child who traveled from Ukraine.

Later that year, in April, Public Health declared the measles outbreak over, after six weeks with no new cases In total, 71 cases of measles were confirmed during the monthslong outbreak.

That outbreak predominantly affected children — 93 percent of cases were 1 to 18 years old — and people who were not immunized. Only one person was hospitalized.

Communities with low MMR vaccination rates have more people who are not immune and are at greater risk for measles outbreaks, Melnick said.

People can check their vaccination status with their health care provider or access their vaccination records through MyIR Mobile (www.myIRmobile.com), which connects directly to the state immunization database.

People can also contact the state health department to request their immunization record.

“Measles is not a harmless illness. With frequent travel, particularly international travel, measles is just a plane, car or train ride away,” Melnick said. “Getting vaccinated provides the best and safest protection against measles.”

Chrissy Booker: 360-735-4613; [email protected]