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LaPorte County health officials warn of falling vaccine rates after nearby measles case
Summary
LaPorte County health officer Dr. Ducey told the board Oct. 21 that the county is seeing lower vaccination rates and that a recent measles case in neighboring Lake County—a young, unvaccinated child—underscores the risk of clustered outbreaks.
LaPorte County health officer Dr. Ducey told the board Oct. 21 that the county is seeing lower vaccination rates and that a recent measles case in neighboring Lake County—a young, unvaccinated child—underscores the risk of clustered outbreaks.
"We were the first first and only country to declare measles eradicated," Dr. Ducey said, adding that falling immunization coverage has put that status at risk and that most hospitalizations and severe outcomes are concentrated among children under 5. She described vaccine hesitancy in terms of the "three C's": complacency, confidence and convenience, and urged county leaders to promote access and accurate information.
Why it matters: Measles is highly contagious and outbreaks concentrate where immunization coverage drops. County health officials said they have seen declines in routine childhood immunization rates and noted a single Lake County case reported days earlier as close to LaPorte County.
Officials said current U.S. guidance has changed in places: Dr. Ducey noted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and related CDC guidance have adjusted recommendations for combined MMRV and the timing of varicella doses, and she expressed concern about the practical effect of shifting schedules on exposure of young children.
The board also discussed influenza and COVID-19 vaccination. Dr. Ducey said COVID vaccination remains recommended for adults 65 and older and for those with preexisting conditions and that confusion earlier about needing a prescription deterred some people from getting doses. The nursing supervisor, Jennifer Smith, reported the department administered 863 immunizations to 422 clients in the quarter but said standing orders for the updated COVID vaccine recommendation were still being processed.
On other vaccine-preventable diseases, board members discussed RSV and shingles vaccines for older adults. Dr. Ducey encouraged board members to "champion vaccines" in everyday conversations to counter politicization and misinformation.
What the board did: The board voted to accept the health officer's report by voice vote.
Sources: Remarks by Dr. Ducey and Nursing Supervisor Jennifer Smith during the Oct. 21 LaPorte County Board of Health meeting.
