LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — The US faces a decline in childhood vaccinations and Louisiana is no exception.
Each year in the US, 3.8 million children enter kindergarten. Each state has a list of required immunizations before those children can enter school. Currently, the US is about 93% compliant, down from 95% four years ago. At 82%, Louisiana ranks No. 32 in vaccine compliance. While not great, 18 states, including Mississippi, are worse.
Looking closer at Louisiana, the last three years saw a steady decline in the vaccination rate and that includes Lafayette Parish, meaning about 17% of Lafayette Parish children entering kindergarten have not completed all of their vaccinations.
In addition to the child, we are also concerned about herd immunity, the percentage of the population that must be vaccinated to prevent an outbreak. These numbers range from 85% for diphtheria to 96% for mumps. A national compliance of 93% falls below some of those and a Louisiana compliance of 86% falls below most.
So, we're falling below a compliance rate that provides herd immunity and that's a major concern.
What makes parents hesitant to vaccinate their children?
Of the 7% unvaccinated, 3% have an exemption based on religious and personal beliefs but 4%, or 150,000 children, have no exemption. They just fall through the cracks.
On a positive note, the majority of US children are up to date on their vaccinations. However, experts feel this number will continue to fall.
