Vermont is witnessing a measles outbreak, with 483 cases reported so far this year. The majority of these cases – about 97% – have been in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccine status. Health officials are concerned about the state’s low vaccination rates, particularly among kindergarteners.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that only 93% of kindergarteners in public and private schools were up-to-date on their MMR vaccines last year, falling short of the critical “herd immunity” threshold. Adults also need to receive the MMR vaccine if they don’t have proof of vaccination or immunity.
According to Merideth Plumpton, Vermont’s immunization program director, “If we have 95% of people vaccinated, it would stop the spread.” However, the state’s measles rate is lower than neighboring New York and New Hampshire. The lowest rates are found in rural areas, where access and attitudes towards vaccines may be a concern.
Plumpton encourages parents to consult reputable websites and discuss their child’s vaccine schedule with primary care providers. She emphasizes that while vaccines won’t prevent all diseases, they are highly effective at preventing hospitalization and serious illness.
The state requires children entering childcare facilities or schools to receive five vaccinations against nine potential illnesses. However, some families have been medically exempted, provisionally admitted, or exempted for religious reasons. The health department data shows that many schools and childcare facilities do not meet the 95% vaccination threshold.
Vermont’s low measles rate is a concern, and health officials urge parents to prioritize their child’s vaccination schedule. With the highly contagious nature of measles, vaccines are crucial in preventing severe illness and death.
Source: https://vtdigger.org/2025/04/02/hundreds-of-vermont-schools-and-child-care-facilities-do-not-meet-herd-immunity-threshold-for-measles