NEW YORK CITY, New York – City data revealed that ZIP codes in Staten Island and Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan have some of the lowest measles vaccination rates among young children in New York City, posing a higher risk for infection. These low vaccination rates have become a challenge for public health officials striving to prevent outbreaks seen in other parts of the United States.
Staten Island stands out as the borough with the least protection against measles, as there is not a single ZIP code with a vaccination rate higher than 74% for children between the ages of 24 and 35 months. The state health department recommends a rate of 95% for herd immunity, which provides protection to those who cannot receive the vaccine. The lowest MMR vaccination rate in Staten Island is in the 10309 ZIP code, with only 65% of children receiving their first dose within the suggested age range.
Moreover, three ZIP codes in Hell’s Kitchen and one in Queens’ Howard Beach have vaccination rates below 70%, highlighting the issue of undervaccinated communities in New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed concern over the situation, calling on community leaders like clergy to help promote vaccination to combat the spread of measles across the state.
Dr. Adam Ratner, director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU Langone’s Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of tailoring vaccination campaigns to address each community’s specific concerns. While some areas struggle with vaccine safety perceptions, others, like Williamsburg, have seen improvements in vaccination rates following mandates imposed during previous outbreaks.
Measles remains a highly contagious disease, necessitating high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks. In an effort to educate parents about the importance of vaccination, pediatricians in Staten Island work to dispel myths about vaccine safety and potential side effects. Vaccine education not only falls on healthcare providers but should also extend to schools and other community settings to increase awareness and access to vaccination services.
Although New York City enforces strict school vaccination rules, West Coast health officials have not found any signs of community transmission yet. Measles vaccination coverage remains the most critical factor in determining the risk of an outbreak, but other elements such as travel-related cases and community density also play a role in the spread of diseases like measles. As outbreaks continue to occur in various parts of the United States and Canada, the importance of vaccination education and access becomes increasingly evident in safeguarding public health.