WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Jefferson County’s measles vaccination rate of 58.4% lags well behind the state rate of 80.9%.
Why is it so low? According to Jefferson County Public Health Service officials, it’s because Fort Drum’s military population is not included in the data.
Stephen Jennings, director of county public health, said the federal government keeps track of the vaccinations of military dependents – children between the ages of 1 and 18.
Jennings says the state has repeatedly tried to obtain measles vaccination data from the federal government, but has never gotten it.
“The state and federal systems do not marry up. We’ve been working on that for years to try to convince federal authorities to input their data in the state system, so we have it, but they have not. And that’s why we appear to have a low rate, but that is not accurate,” he said.
New York state requires that children entering or attending public, private, or parochial schools and daycares show proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Concerns come amid statewide measles outbreak
The public health service says measles cases in rural areas of New York state are increasing,
To date, New York has 29 confirmed cases; 23 of those are outside of New York City.
So far, there are no confirmed cases in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence counties.
Health officials outline the recommended vaccine schedule
Health officials are worried the outbreak could spread, and say if you were not vaccinated as a child, you should consider getting doses now.
“Children need two doses, and adults need two doses to get protection for life. First dose is between 12 and 15 months, recommended. Second dose is between four years and six years,” said Jennings.
Lewis County and St. Lawrence County both have vaccination rates close to 78%.
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