New research from Johns Hopkins University reveals that measles vaccination rates for children declined in nearly 80% of U.S. counties after the COVID pandemic. The study, covering 2,066 counties across 33 states, compared kindergarten immunization data from 2017–2020 with figures from 2022–2024.
The findings follow a surge of over 1,000 measles cases nationwide, undermining the U.S. declaration of measles elimination in 2000. The outbreak began in Texas and spread to states including Colorado, Minnesota, and Kentucky.
Texas counties like Gaines, despite a slight post-pandemic increase, remained under herd immunity thresholds. Gaines alone recorded 411 of the state’s 742 measles cases. Kansas experienced sharp vaccination declines—Gray County dropped 23 points—while Colorado’s El Paso County saw a 3.8-point decrease.
The CDC said 30% of recent cases affected children under 5, with 22% hospitalized. Another 37% were aged 5–19.
Despite the risk, President Trump proposed a $3.6 billion cut to CDC discretionary funding.
The CDC maintains that robust immunization and outbreak response programs keep widespread risk low and urges all residents to remain current on MMR vaccinations, especially before international travel.
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