Routine childhood immunization rates, including those for measles, polio, and meningitis, declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statewide awareness campaign, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) and Grand Forks Public Health are teaming up to remind North Dakotans to “Pay Attention to Prevention” and encourage citizens to take action to protect against disease by contacting their doctor or trusted health care provider to make sure they, and their children, are up-to-date on routine wellness immunizations to protect against diseases like measles, meningitis, tetanus, and shingles.
Throughout the pandemic, routine wellness immunization rates have fallen, and lower rates could result in outbreaks. MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rates have declined across the state. In Grand Forks County, infants ages 19 – 35 months decreased by 7.78% from 85.33% in December 2019 to 77.55% in December 2022. Measles is a very contagious disease that can cause serious complications. Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, called encephalitis. In addition, measles infection damages and suppresses the whole immune system, meaning children can be left much more susceptible to catching other infections. Before the measles vaccine was available in 1963, between 400 and 500 people died, and 48,000 were hospitalized each year due to measles.
Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccination rates amongst North Dakota teens ages 13 – 17 also decreased statewide. In Grand Forks County, rates for one dose of meningococcal vaccine dropped by 8.31% from 90.16% in December 2019 to 81.85% in December 2021, while rates for two doses of meningococcal vaccine dropped by 10% from 70.42% in December 2019 to 62.42% in December 2021. Although rare, ten to 15 out of 100 people with meningococcal meningitis will die, and up to one in five survivors will have long-term complications, including loss of limbs or deafness.
Grand Forks County is encouraging parents to make an appointment for a well-child check and visit with their doctor about the benefits of routine wellness immunizations.
Parents can find more information about which vaccines are required for childcare and school on the North Dakota Department of Health at https://www.health.nd.gov/immunize.
Cost should not be a barrier to getting children immunized. Children who are American Indian, on Medicaid, uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover vaccines can receive the vaccine at no cost through the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC).
To make an immunization appointment, contact your healthcare provider or call Grand Forks Public Health at 701.787.8100.
