MMIR vaccine rates for children continue to drop, measles cases climb - 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS

What the report says

KSTP reports that measles vaccination rates among Minnesota children are continuing to fall as U.S. measles cases rise and the school year approaches. Citing CDC data, the station reported that the share of Minnesota kindergarteners with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, was once 96.3% but fell to 86.5% for the 2024-25 school year. Minnesota Department of Health figures show a further decline to 85.75% for 2025-26.

The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians told KSTP that lower vaccine coverage is linked to the increase in measles cases. Dr. Shannon Neale, the group’s president-elect, described the trend as troubling and urged families to vaccinate children before students gather in classrooms. She said vaccine confidence has weakened, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraged parents to discuss concerns with physicians or other clinicians.

KSTP also included the perspective of Wayne Rohde, co-founder of the Vaccine Safety Council of Minnesota, who said one of his twin sons had a severe reaction after receiving the MMR vaccine as a toddler and later developed serious neurological problems. Rohde said doctors should give parents full information about risks and benefits so families can make their own decisions.

According to MDH, Minnesota has confirmed at least 17 measles cases this year, compared with 26 in all of last year. The agency said the state is not currently experiencing an outbreak but is watching the trend, especially because recent infections appear to have occurred within the United States and Minnesota rather than being tied mainly to international travel. MDH advised families to stay current on vaccines and said one MMR dose provides about 93% protection, while two doses provide about 97%.