January 24, 2025
Amid divisive political change, public distrust in institutions, and the politicization of health, public health leaders and advocates are concerned about declining vaccination rates. In late December, the state public health commissioner noted that respiratory vaccination rates are lower than in prior seasons and appeared to be plateauing earlier.
According to the latest data, the majority of MetroWest communities meet or exceed the statewide average respiratory immunization rates. While that is a positive statistic, vaccines work best when there is herd immunity. If vaccination rates continue to decline, the risk of future outbreaks increases.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health publishes a number of immunization-related resources as well as weekly reports on respiratory immunization progress. On the foundation’s Vimeo page are videos in three languages featuring local community leaders encouraging MetroWest residents to get vaccinated.