St. Lawrence County’s Alarming 50% Drop in MMR Vaccinations: Are Your Kids at Risk?

CANTON, New York (WWNY) - As health officials in St. Lawrence County turn their attention to vaccination rates among young children, concerns are rising. Although there have been no reported cases of measles in the area, vaccination statistics indicate potential vulnerabilities. According to data from the New York State Department of Health for 2025, only 76% of children in St. Lawrence County have received the first dose of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) by age two. This falls short of the 95% vaccination rate recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to achieve herd immunity.

Carly Zimmermann, the deputy director of St. Lawrence County Public Health, emphasized the importance of reaching that vaccination threshold. “For measles, we try to have a vaccination rate of 95 percent,” Zimmermann stated. “That’s really where we’re going to see that herd immunity.” Without this level of coverage, the risk of widespread transmission increases, especially given the highly contagious nature of the measles virus.

The symptoms of measles can be difficult to recognize initially, often presenting as respiratory issues, a high fever, and a cough. “It starts out as some respiratory symptoms, high fever, and cough,” Zimmermann explained. “Some people don’t know that it’s measles at first.” This makes early identification challenging and underscores the significance of maintaining high vaccination rates.

Across the North Country, MMR vaccination rates vary significantly. Lewis and St. Lawrence counties exhibit similar figures, while Jefferson County has alarmingly low rates, with only 57% of children vaccinated—ranking it as the second-lowest rate in the state. This disparity raises concerns, as Zimmermann noted, “County lines offer no protection against the virus. Viruses don’t abide by political boundaries.”

Dr. Greg Healey of Healey Medical Practice in Canton echoed these concerns, having encountered just one measles case throughout his career. He attributed the decline in vaccination rates partly to growing skepticism surrounding vaccines. This skepticism can be traced back to a discredited study by a British doctor linking the MMR vaccine to autism, which has since been thoroughly debunked. “That was a foolish suggestion, and that’s been thoroughly debunked now, but unfortunately, that created this legacy of suspicion about vaccines,” Healey said. He further lamented that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated negative sentiments surrounding vaccinations, fueled by misinformation circulating on social media and inconsistent messaging from public leaders.

Historically, the measles virus was common and widespread, particularly during the mid-1900s. However, the introduction of vaccines dramatically decreased the number of cases. Despite this progress, outbreaks still occur, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and education about vaccination.

As the conversation around vaccination continues, the health community urges parents to stay informed and consider the implications of low vaccination rates not just for their children, but for the community at large. With measles being a preventable disease, the call for action is clear: ensuring that children receive their vaccinations on schedule is crucial for protecting public health.