Outbreaks of diseases like whooping cough and measles are increasing as childhood immunization rates drop, leaving even vaccinated adults at risk due to waning immunity.
Apoorva Mandavilli reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- The U.S. saw more than 32,000 whooping cough cases in 2024, with California reporting 2,000 cases and over 60 infant hospitalizations.
- Childhood vaccination rates fell below 93% for the 2023-24 school year, leaving roughly 280,000 children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
- Experts warn that adults vaccinated decades ago may also face increased risk due to waning immunity and ongoing exposure.
Key quote:
If fewer people are vaccinated, “we are making an active decision to make the world a less safe place for a significant proportion of the population.”
— Dr. Alex Richter, clinical immunologist at the University of Birmingham
Why this matters:
Falling immunization rates could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases in schools and public spaces, posing particular threats to infants, pregnant women and immune-compromised individuals. Vaccines protect communities, but even small declines can weaken collective defense.
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