A smaller percentage of children in the U.S. received the regular vaccinations needed for asylum during a pandemic, government researchers said Thursday, raising concerns that measles and others could rise. more preventable diseases.
For the 2020-21 academic year, vaccination rates against measles, whooping cough and chicken pox will rise to 94%. This is a 1% decrease from last year and means 35,000 American children enter kindergarten without proof that they have been vaccinated against infectious diseases, according to a report by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. .
Additionally, 400,000 fewer than expected children attend kindergarten and their immunization status is unclear, the CDC said.
Pandemic-related delays likely contributed to the reduction, the report said, because pediatricians canceled non-urgent appointments, parents skipped child screening, and vaccination requirements were that -relax for distance learning students. .
“We didn’t see outbreaks and this is probably an indication that families stayed home during the pandemic,” said Dr. Georgina Pickock, director of immunization services at the CDC. But the government fears this could change if children remain on their staff as more people return to normal activities.
Data for the current school year, expected in November, should indicate whether the delay is maintained, CDC Shannon Stockley said.
Data from school reports on immunization rates in 47 states, including Washington, DC, the CDC said staff shortages and other pandemic delays could lead to incomplete reports or absenteeism. , which limits estimates of actual vaccination rates.
In 16 states, kindergarten enrollment rates for children are at least 95 percent for combined measles and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccinations. The rate is less than 90 percent in eight states, including Washington, and seven states, including Washington, for measles vaccination.
For chickenpox vaccination, rates in 17 states are at least 95 percent, while in nine and Washington are less than 90 percent.
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Source: Huffpost
