Maryland has recorded 17 measles cases since mid-July. All of them were in people who weren’t vaccinated, according to Dr. Christopher Rogers, who joined Montgomery County’s weekly media briefing Wednesday.
The update comes days after two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents died of measles. They were the first measles deaths in the U.S. this year. Officials confirmed the deaths in Lancaster County, roughly 120 miles from Montgomery County.
Why 96% is the target
Rogers said Maryland’s pattern is exactly why Montgomery County schools aim for a 96-97% vaccination rate among students.
“This really helps to protect not only all those kids in schools and stop an outbreak, it helps protect any older adults whose immunity may have waned,” Rogers said.
Asked by MCM what he’d say to parents on the fence about vaccinating their children, County Executive Marc Elrich was direct.
“I’d say get off the fence,” Elrich said. “These vaccinations have a very long history. Deaths had disappeared in the United States because of the vaccinations, and so what we’re seeing is a return of illness and a return of death.”
“Vaccinations are essential, like school supplies, pencils and paper,” Elrich said.
MCPS requirements haven’t changed
Elrich said Maryland’s vaccination requirements remain the same. That’s true despite recent federal moves to alter vaccine guidance.
“My advice: follow the advice of your pediatrician and the Maryland school requirements, which have not changed,” Elrich said.
Guidance for parents
Beka Urgesa, senior administrator for school health at the county’s Department of Health and Human Services, said parents should check their child’s immunization status right now.
If a student is missing a required vaccine, the school sends parents a letter. It specifies exactly what’s needed, Urgesa said. Families then have two options: They can visit a free back-to-school immunization clinic, open through September or they can see their own doctor.
Students missing vaccines can still attend school, Urgesa said. But Maryland law gives families 20 calendar days to become compliant.
“Please don’t wait,” Urgesa said. “Contact your healthcare provider or take advantage of one of the clinics that we have in August and then also in September.”
