Kaiser Health News announced that a study by the National Committee on Quality Assurance found a drastic drop in the number of American children being vaccinated each year. Between 2008 and 2009, the measles/mumps/rubella vaccination fell to 90.6 percent from 93.5 percent; the diphtheria/tetanus/whooping cough fell to 85.4 percent from 87.2; and the chickenpox vaccination fell to 90.6 percent from 92 percent.
Some officials believe this drop is a result of the media’s focus on the erroneous belief that vaccinations cause autism. While there has been no evidence found to indicate that vaccinations can cause autism, public debate has scared some parents into not vaccinating their children.
Interestingly, the study found that vaccination rates increased among children who were in Medicaid health plans.
Has your health center noticed a drop-off in children’s immunizations? Let us know!