Michigan reported its first case of measles since 2019 this past week as a child in Oakland County was diagnosed with the illness after traveling.
Berrien County Health Officer Guy Miller tells us when measles cases pop up, they’re almost always among those who have not been vaccinated.
So, how is Berrien County’s measles vaccination rate?
“Measles is part of the childhood vaccine series,” Miller said. “It’s the measles, mumps, rubella. So it’s typically referred to as MMR. And by 18, you should have had two doses of that vaccine. We’ve been kind of sitting right around 85% for the past couple of years, which is according to CDC, lower than what you want to have for that really strong herd immunity. They want 95%.”
Miller says he suspects the real number in Berrien County is a bit higher than 85%, but the data is only as good as what can be collected.
Miller says the vaccination rates for some illnesses among children have been down in recent years, partly because of politics and partly because of vaccine hesitancy. However, he says the best way to protect your child and other children is to follow the recommendations for vaccinations.
The health department has information on the recommended schedule at its website.
