Amid Measles Surge, Maricopa Families Opt Out of Vaccination at Alarming Rates

Maricopa County is experiencing a significant decline in vaccination rates, with herd immunity against measles falling below the required threshold for the first time in five years. This decline is troubling, especially as the region grapples with a rising number of measles cases.

Health officials report a troubling pattern: families refusing the measles vaccine have nearly doubled since the onset of the pandemic. In the past decade, measles has taken lives for the first time, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination.

The outbreak began in Texas, with 223 confirmed cases since January, of which 29 required hospitalization and sadly included the death of a school-aged child. Last month, neighboring New Mexico reported additional outbreaks in two counties near Texas.

A spokesperson from the New Mexico Department of Health expressed concern over the contagious nature of the virus. “Because measles is so contagious, additional cases are likely to occur in Lea County and the surrounding communities,” they stated.

Currently, New Mexico has reported 34 cases predominantly affecting children, while nationwide figures show 222 cases across various states, including California, Texas, and New Jersey. Comparatively, the previous year saw only 41 cases reported among 16 states, including notable instances in Maricopa County.

In Maricopa, an alarming trend has emerged: exemptions from the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have surged, with 1 in 12 students in the recent school year citing personal or medical exemptions. This figure marks a notable increase from just 4% in the 2020-21 school year.

This reluctance to vaccinate has placed the county below the threshold necessary for herd immunity, defined as at least 92% vaccination coverage. Currently, vaccination rates in Pinal County are better, with 89% of kindergarten students vaccinated, but exemptions are also on the rise.

In Maricopa County, vaccination rates have fallen below 88%, representing a significant low over the last five years. The CDC emphasizes the importance of two doses of the MMR vaccine to effectively curb the “highly contagious virus.”

Measles is transmitted through airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose, but severe cases can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death.

For further information on measles prevention and vaccination, residents can contact Pinal County Public Health at 866-960-0633.