Vaccination rates for kindergarteners in three counties of Western Massachusetts have fallen below the threshold necessary for herd immunity against measles. Recent data from the Washington Post indicates that only 93.8% of kindergarteners in Hampden County have received both doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Franklin County reports a vaccination rate of 91.5%, while Berkshire County stands at 91.8%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that at least 95% vaccination coverage is required to establish effective herd immunity.
Despite higher vaccination rates in broader regions of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, certain areas in Massachusetts, including Suffolk County and Nantucket, have also seen declines in immunization rates. Public health officials emphasize the need to improve vaccine confidence in Western Massachusetts, where the small population of kindergarteners means that decisions by a few families can significantly impact overall rates.
“Our biggest battle now is there’s a lot of misinformation and confusion,” said Jessica Collins, executive director of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Collins highlighted the role of pediatricians and school nurses as “critical messengers” in addressing vaccine hesitancy.
The Healey administration recently criticized the previous administration’s decision to remove certain vaccines from the list of recommended immunizations for children. Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the state’s public health commissioner, described this change as “reckless,” stating it undermines decades of evidence-based science and introduces confusion into public health guidance.
The CDC continues to recommend the measles vaccine, particularly at a time when outbreaks have occurred across the United States. Massachusetts has reported only one measles case in the past five years, with no cases recorded in 2025. Nonetheless, the state has noted a concerning trend: the number of students exempt from vaccination for medical or religious reasons is higher in Franklin and Berkshire counties compared to the rest of the state.
To combat low vaccination rates, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will reach out to schools that report fewer vaccinated students, providing information on the importance of vaccinations and the risks associated with measles. Recent incidents, such as a chickenpox outbreak in Westfield schools, have raised alarms, leading to contract tracing and quarantines. Fawne St. Pierre, the district’s health and safety supervisor, expressed concerns about the potential for measles outbreaks, emphasizing, “The real fear is measles. We really hope we don’t ever see that.”
Phoebe Walker, director of community health for the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, noted that the region faces unique challenges. Despite a relatively low population, the area lacks adequate pediatric practices. This scarcity limits access to vaccines, particularly as many families have shifted to receiving immunizations at local pharmacies, which may not always provide pediatric services.
“There’s a lot of layers of barriers,” Walker said, reflecting the complex landscape public health officials must navigate to improve immunization rates. While the current rates remain relatively good compared to other regions, Walker acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating, “These are terrifying times.”
As health officials work to enhance vaccination efforts, the focus remains on education and building trust within the community. Addressing misinformation and fostering relationships with healthcare providers are crucial steps in increasing vaccine uptake and protecting public health in Western Massachusetts.
