Infant immunization rates are down

Childhood immunization rates dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic when many families were unable to keep up with well-child check-ups. Due to this drop in immunizations, health officials have been urging families to get their children back on track.

In 2019, 69.2 percent of Minnesota’s 2-year-olds were up to date for recommended immunizations, but by 2023, that rate had fallen to 63 percent, according to data from the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection. Data from Childhood Immunization Coverage shows vaccination rates are also down throughout the U.S., a troubling trend, particularly as cases of measles, a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease, have recently occurred in numerous states, including Minnesota.

Vaccines help reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Without that protection, children are more likely to get measles, RSV, whooping cough and other diseases prevented by vaccines.

Health officials are encouraging parents to take these action steps during National Infant Immunization Week:

-Check your child’s immunization record to see what vaccines your child has received and what vaccines they may need. Go to “Find My Immunization Record” to request it from MDH or learn about using the free, secure app called Docket.

-Contact your child’s health care provider to schedule a well-child visit and immunization.

-Find a clinic that offers free or low-cost shots for children if your child does not have health insurance or insurance may not cover all the costs.