A new study from Johns Hopkins University shows a 2.7% decline in vaccination rates across the country, with some counties experiencing drops of up to 15%. However, Maryland remains well-protected from measles due to its high vaccination rate, which surpassed the 95% herd immunity threshold. The state’s counties have seen no significant declines, despite national trends.
According to Lauren Gardner, director of Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering, a herd immunity threshold of around 95% is necessary to prevent outbreaks of measles. However, some states like Texas have experienced large outbreaks, with over 1,000 reported cases nationwide this year. Maryland has seen several cases due to international travel, but the state’s vaccination rate remains high.
Source: https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2025-06-02/despite-vaccination-rate-drops-maryland-is-in-the-clear-for-measles-herd-immunity