Protect Your Family: Pima County Health Department Warns About Measles Outbreak Risks

TUCSON, Ariz. — Measles is making a comeback in North America, and vaccination rates are slipping. The Pima County Health Department wants to raise awareness about how serious measles is and how effective the vaccine can be.

Andrew Saal, the Assistant Medical Director for the department, notes that vaccination rates in the county hover around the mid-90s, which is good but not ideal. “We need higher participation for the vaccine to protect everyone,” he explains.

Scott Olson, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Banner Health, emphasizes the importance of community immunization rates. “If we can reach over 95% vaccination, even if measles comes into town, it shouldn’t spread,” he says.

So, what’s causing the drop in vaccination rates? Experts suggest that since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, many new parents haven’t seen its effects firsthand. However, Saal reminds us that measles is dangerous: “It can kill one to two people out of every thousand and lead to hospitalizations.”

Braxton undergoes severe complications post-infection, including bacterial pneumonia and other infections, as Olson points out. These risks highlight the urgent need to increase vaccination rates as a priority for Pima County.

Unfortunately, recent cuts to federal grants have limited budget options for outreach. Experts agree education is vital. “We want parents to know the vaccine is safe and very effective,” says Saal. The health department is also working to make vaccinations more affordable and accessible, especially during back-to-school events this summer.

The commitment to immunizations isn’t just about statistics; it’s about caring for community health. “Those developing vaccines aim to improve public health,” Olson states.

For up-to-date vaccination rates by county, you can visit the Arizona Department of Health Services here.

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