Immunize Nevada, Nevada’s only statewide nonprofit dedicated to immunizations with offices in Reno and Las Vegas, is concerned about the recent decline in immunization rates throughout Nevada due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The pandemic has caused parents and caregivers in Nevada and across the nation to postpone routine well-child checkups, including immunizations. This puts millions of children at risk for exposure to 14 preventable diseases, including the measles and whooping cough.
The CDC’s MMWR report sheds light on successes and where improvement is needed for maintaining childhood vaccines during the pandemic.
The report highlights a decline in VFC-funded vaccines from January 6 through April 19 with an evident dip a week after the declaration of the national emergency.
A decline is identified in measles-containing vaccine administration beginning March 16, but the decrease was less prominent in infants younger than 2 years old.
VFC provides vaccines to about 60% of all children in Nevada. More information on eligibility can be found at Nevada’s VFC website.
