Measuring measles vaccinations in Michigan
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Nearly every county in Michigan failed to meet the herd immunity threshold for measles, with vaccination rates for kindergarteners below the 95% mark, per new data collected and analyzed by the Washington Post.
Why it matters: Measles cases are rebounding, leaving local communities vulnerable to a virus public health officials say is preventable.
Driving the news: Only three of Michigan's 83 counties meet the herd immunity threshold, data shows. That threshold is widely considered necessary to contain the virus' spread.
State of play: Michigan had 30 measles cases last year, including two each in Oakland and Macomb counties, according to the state.
Zoom in: All three of Michigan's counties that met the herd immunity threshold are in the Upper Peninsula: Keweenaw County (100%), Alger County (98.4%) and Schoolcraft County (95.1%).
What's next: Federal health policy is shifting.
- The Trump administration this month overhauled the childhood vaccination schedule by cutting recommended shots to 11, though the recommended list still includes a measles shot for kids.