Turn the tide on MMR vaccine hesitancy

Montana’s measles outbreak reached Flathead County last week as the total cases statewide climbed to 10 so far this year. 

The cases of the highly infectious, yet easily preventable disease are the first in the state in 30 years — a consequential shift brought on by changing perceptions of public health and as vaccine skepticism spreads. 

The rate of children receiving the MMR vaccine that covers measles, mumps and rubella has been on a concerning decline in recent years. Administered in two doses, the first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.  

Herd immunity in a community is reached with a vaccination rate at 95%. Yet only 86% of Montana’s 2-year-olds have at least one MMR dose — below the national average of 90%.  

At those low rates, an outbreak in Montana wasn’t a matter of if, but when. 

This doesn’t have to be the new normal. In fact, recommendations from the CDC and Flathead City-County Health Department are quite clear: The best protection against measles is vaccination. 

In Texas, more parents are opting to vaccinate their children after an outbreak there infected more than 720 people, mostly children. It’s the largest single outbreak in the U.S. since the disease was declared eliminated 25 years ago. 

According to the Texas Tribune, through the first four months of the year more than 7,100 babies in the state received a dose of the MMR vaccination, compared to just 1,591 babies in 2019. That’s a 4.5-fold increase and the state’s highest number in the last six years. 

The Tribune report notes that researchers and public health officials attribute the MMR vaccination rise in part to more awareness. 

It’s not too late for Montana to learn from the Texas outbreak and turn the tide on childhood vaccine hesitancy. We’re all part of the herd, and working together we can protect Montana children and keep this deadly disease at bay for good. 

Montana parents and guardians on the fence about the MMR shot should talk to their pediatrician or a public health nurse for factual, expert advice. 

Meanwhile, people who are unsure about their immunity status can use the county Health Department’s self-assessment form online or call the Measles Information Line at 406-751-8110 to learn more.