North Dakota childhood vaccination rates continue slide

BISMARCK — Infant vaccination rates for measles in North Dakota continue to drop amid conflicting information and muddled guidance from federal health authorities. Measles cases currently stand at over 4,500 nationally, double the number recorded last year. The infant MMR vaccination rate for measles, mumps and rubella is currently at 76.1% in North Dakota. That s a drop from the high levels of 94.8% seen in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak and the ensuing rise in vaccine skepticism. It s a trend we're seeing nationally with decreases in vaccination rates and increases in non-medical exemptions, particularly for school-age children, which is obviously a concern, said Mary Woinarowicz, North Dakota Health and Human Services immunization director. Particularly for measles, because it is such an infectious disease, she added. It does spread so easily. Having a rate at or close to 95% provides for herd immunity, according to healthcare providers, a