2 weeks Ago By Holden Draper
Measles cases have cropped up in both New York and New Jersey since the start of the year, sending a clear message about the importance of vaccinations. With four people diagnosed in New York and three in neighboring New Jersey, health officials are on alert. As reported by The New York Times, Governor Kathy Hochul stressed that New York is well-equipped to handle these cases which should "not inherently a cause for concern.
" However, she also pointed to "very concerning trends" across the nation underscoring the need for vaccinations against a disease that can sometimes be fatal.The current scenario is drawing attention back to vaccination rates, particularly in New York City neighborhoods. Staten Island's vaccination rates, for instance, have not been hitting an ideal mark.
No ZIP code in the borough boasts a rate higher than 74% for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination among toddlers aged 24 to 35 months old, according to data shared with Gothamist. Meanwhile, a 95% rate is generally considered necessary for herd immunity. A ZIP code in Staten Island's Rossville area has a particularly low rate, with just 65% of eligible children having received their first MMR dose.
Closer scrutiny reveals a trend where some neighborhoods fall short on vaccination rates among younger children. For example, New York's overall rate for 2-year-olds stands at about 81% -- notably less than the recommended threshold. Despite strict school immunization laws and high vaccination rates among kindergarten students, the focus is now shifting to ensuring younger kids aren't left behind in immunity levels.
In response to the recent cases, public health messaging has been ramping up across the region. Dr. Michelle Morse, the acting commissioner of New York City’s health department, emphasized in a statement how vaccination not only protects the person who gets vaccinated but also contributes to community protection by helping stop the spread of the disease and keeping infants and others who can’t be vaccinated safely.
While the measles cases identified in New York State are not related to each other or to an ongoing outbreak in Texas, the presence of the virus has prompted advisories for people to watch for symptoms and verify their vaccination statuses. Measles symptoms can be delayed, appearing up to three weeks after exposure. New York and New Jersey residents have been encouraged to reach out to their healthcare providers if they believe they've been exposed to the virus.
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