In Philadelphia, the health and safety of our children should be a top priority. Yet, an alarming trend has emerged in recent years: vaccination rates among young children are declining—and it’s putting our community at risk. What was once a routine visit to the doctor for essential vaccines has become a missed opportunity for many families, and the consequences of this gap are becoming more apparent.
In 2024, more parents in Philadelphia have delayed or skipped routine immunizations for their children, driven by a mix of challenges, including disrupted healthcare access, misinformation, and growing vaccine hesitancy. This delay has left many young children unprotected from diseases that are preventable through vaccines, and the events of this are being felt across our communities.
In 2022, the measles vaccination rate for children entering kindergarten in Pennsylvania dropped from 96.4% to 94%.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, immunization rates among children in Philadelphia have dropped, and public health experts are sounding the alarm. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination rates for kindergarten-aged children have fallen nationwide, and Philadelphia has been no exception. In 2022, the measles vaccination rate for children entering kindergarten in Pennsylvania dropped from 96.4% to 94%—still above the national average but below the 95% threshold for herd immunity, which is essential to prevent outbreaks and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. While some may feel the worst is over and vaccines are no longer a priority, the reality is that protecting your child through timely immunizations is just as important as ever to keep them safe from preventable diseases.
When immunization rates fall, the risk of outbreak rises. This not only puts your children at risk if they’re unvaccinated, but also jeopardizes the health of those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants who are too young for their shots or children with weakened immune systems due to conditions like autoimmune disorders or cancer. Diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough can spread rapidly in under-immunized communities, potentially leading to serious complications.
When immunization rates fall, the risk of outbreak rises. This not only puts your children at risk if they’re unvaccinated, but also jeopardizes the health of those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants who are too young for their shots or children with weakened immune systems due to conditions like autoimmune disorders or cancer. Diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough can spread rapidly in under-immunized communities, potentially leading to serious complications.
So, what can you do to protect your child and keep them healthy?
- Staying up-to-date with your child’s vaccinations is the most effective way to prevent serious diseases and protect the local community. The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides free vaccines to children whose parents or guardians have difficulty affording them, ensuring all children have access to essential vaccines. You can find local VFC providers and information on catch-up vaccination clinics by visiting the Healthy Babies Philly —where you can also check out helpful videos from our campaign dedicated to helping families in Philadelphia keep their children safe and healthy.
- If you have concerns or questions about vaccines, another helpful step is to connect with your child’s healthcare provider. Ask about which vaccines are recommended, what vaccines your child may have missed, and how you can get them caught up.
By keeping your child on track with their vaccinations, you’re not just protecting them—you’re helping create a healthier, safer community for everyone. When we take the time to ensure our children are up-to-date on their vaccines, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community.
We know that every family’s journey is unique, and sharing your experience can make a big difference. If you’re a mom in Philadelphia, we’d love for you to help us understand the impact of childhood immunization by inviting you to share your story with us. If you’ve faced challenges in making vaccine decisions, had concerns as a parent, or overcome any obstacles along the way, your story can make a real difference. Together, we can create a supportive community where every child is protected.
If you’d like to share your story to help other Philadelphia families protect their children’s health, you can do so clicking here!. Your experience could make a real difference in another family’s decision to take the step toward better health for their children.
