Idaho child immunization rates third lowest in country

National public health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, have released a survey showing Idaho’s immunization rate for children aged 19 to 35 months is 65.6 percent, compared to a national average of 77.4 percent – the third lowest in the country.

 “With our rate dipping to 65 percent, we’re worried we could see broader outbreaks spreading in the state,” Idaho State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said in a release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

State health officials say vaccinations have virtually eradicated once-prevalent diseases like polio and diphtheria, but warned that without proper protection many of these illnesses, which are still alive and well elsewhere in the world, could return. Hahn pointed to measles as a particularly large risk.

“We are currently seeing the highest number of measles cases in our nation since 1996,” she said. “Idaho has the lowest rate of measles vaccination in the nation, and we could have an outbreak just as easily as the states of Washington or Illinois recently had.”

The state is implementing a campaign to raise awareness about immunization, including radio, television, billboard and bus-side advertising. The health and welfare officials also say Idaho medical providers are forming a statewide coalition to address the low immunization figures – focusing on some parents’ concerns that vaccinations actually do more harm than good.

In the meantime, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is asking parents to ensure their children’s immunization records are up to date.

“We implore parents to check their children’s records and talk to their healthcare provider if they have any concerns,” Idaho Immunization Program manager Rebecca Coyle said in the release. “Immunizations save lives.”