This year, measles vaccination rates appear to be increasing in several areas of the United States that have been significantly affected by outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that individuals receive two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first dose should be administered between 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 to 6 years old. According to the CDC, one dose of the vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses increase efficacy to 97%.
As of now, the CDC has confirmed 378 measles cases this year, with the bulk of those cases occurring among individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains unknown. In western Texas alone, an outbreak has led to 327 infections, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Alarmingly, only two of these cases involved individuals who were fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
Health officials have been actively encouraging anyone who is unvaccinated to receive the MMR vaccine or to catch up on any missed doses. As of March 16, DSHS reported that at least 173,362 MMR vaccine doses had been administered in Texas this year, marking an increase compared to the same timeframe since 2020. However, a DSHS spokesperson noted that because Texas lacks a statewide requirement to report vaccine administration, the data does not represent a comprehensive overview of all MMR vaccines given in the state.
Lubbock County, which is located 75 miles east of the outbreak epicenter, has recorded 10 measles cases thus far in 2023. Despite not being at the center of the outbreak, vaccination rates in the area are on the rise. Katherine Wells, the director of public health for Lubbock, stated, “We’re seeing an increase in the number of vaccinations in our community.” In the past four weeks, the health department has operated a dedicated walk-in vaccine clinic for the MMR vaccine, administering over 300 doses.
Wells also highlighted that several infants under 6 months old, who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine, have been exposed to the virus and have been given immunoglobulin shots as a precaution. She emphasized that the vaccines are available at no cost and that health officials are utilizing social media and local news outlets to spread awareness about the importance of vaccination.
“Many parents may have fallen behind on vaccinations due to busy schedules, or they may have been hesitant about vaccinating their children,” Wells remarked. The recent surge in measles cases has prompted parents to bring their children in for vaccinations.
In discussions with colleagues from nearby health departments, Wells noted the challenges of reaching residents in more rural areas for MMR vaccine distribution. She explained that Lubbock’s health department is well-known and has more outreach staff than smaller departments. In contrast, rural areas often have to set up clinics in less familiar locations, making it harder to attract residents.
To improve access to vaccines, health officials are focusing on school-based clinics, aiming to provide vaccinations where children already congregate. “It’s a great tactic to get parents to come to the school and offer the vaccine there,” Wells added.
Meanwhile, in neighboring New Mexico, the state Department of Health (NMDOH) has reported 43 measles cases this year, primarily concentrated in Lea County, which borders western Texas. Health officials suspect a potential connection between the Texas and New Mexico cases, although no formal link has been established. Between February 1 and March 24, NMDOH data show that over 13,100 MMR doses were administered, with approximately 7,000 given to individuals under 18 years of age and around 6,100 to adults. This represents more than double the number of MMR doses administered during the same period last year.
Robert Nott, communications director for the NMDOH, expressed optimism regarding the increased vaccination rates: “We’re encouraged by the number of people getting vaccinated, but we’re not taking it for granted.”
Health officials continue to remind the public about the highly contagious nature of measles. According to the CDC, measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, with an infected individual capable of transmitting the virus to up to 90% of susceptible close contacts. The measles virus can linger in the air and survive on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.
Wells stated during a recent press briefing that it may take up to a year to gain control over the ongoing outbreak. “Our number of cases is continuing to increase daily,” she reported, adding that there are still many unreported or under-reported cases due to individuals not seeking testing. “We are still in the growth phase of this outbreak, and significant vaccination efforts are crucial for containment,” she concluded.
