Residents' fear of immigration enforcement has contributed to a nearly 50% decline in immunizations in Dallas County, officials say.
Why it matters: Fewer immunizations can increase the risk of contracting communicable diseases such as COVID, the flu and measles.
The U.S. is already at risk of losing its measles elimination designation.
Context: Federal patient privacy laws prevent county officials from sharing residents' health information with the federal government, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins tells Axios.
Yes, but: Fear of the federal government's immigration crackdown has led to many North Texas residents skipping their vaccines this year, Dallas County Health and Human Services director Philip Huang told the county's Commissioners Court last week.
"In August, before school, our lobby is packed with people — people sometimes lining out the door, having to tell people to come back after lunch," Huang said. "We did not see that this [school] year."
Between the lines: Jenkins tells Axios those choosing to skip vaccinations include undocumented individuals and people with legal status who have a loved one without legal authorization.
The bottom line: "Dallas County does not share health information with anyone. We follow the HIPAA laws, and your health information is protected," Jenkins says.
