Concern as vaccine rates for kids returning to school drop, diseases resurge expert

Vaccination rates among children entering kindergarten in California are dangerously close to dropping below 95%, a level critical for maintaining herd immunity. UCSF infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong emphasizes that falling below this threshold will increase disease transmission and could lead to outbreaks of previously rare illnesses like measles and polio. He cites a rise in vaccine exemptions, possibly due to hesitancy, which raises questions about the validity of these exemptions compared to previous years. Recent announcements from the Trump administration have also limited COVID-19 vaccine availability for healthy children, focusing instead on older adults and at-risk youth.

Dr. Chin-Hong urges parents to consider getting their children the COVID booster while it remains accessible. He warns that the upcoming fall vaccination landscape for children remains uncertain, making timely vaccinations vital. The situation highlights the broader implications for public health as vaccination rates decline. Parents are encouraged to act now to protect their children and the community from preventable diseases.