After the COVID-19 pandemic, childhood measles vaccination rates dropped in about 80% of over 2,000 U.S. counties with available data. That means fewer kids are protected against a highly contagious—and preventable—disease, raising concerns about potential outbreaks.

Editor’s Note: Measles isn’t just a relic of the past—it can spread fast among unvaccinated kids, leading to serious complications. This drop in vaccinations suggests pandemic disruptions (like missed doctor visits or vaccine hesitancy) might be leaving communities vulnerable. If this trend continues, we could see more outbreaks in places that haven’t dealt with measles in years. It’s a reminder that vaccines aren’t just personal choices; they protect everyone, especially those who can’t get vaccinated.