The 248 Maryland schools most vulnerable to measles outbreaks

Key Points:

• Maryland has one of the highest measles vaccination rates nationally, but 248 schools have vaccination rates below the 95% herd immunity threshold, posing a risk for measles outbreaks amid a recent surge in cases.
• This year, Maryland has reported 55 measles cases, a significant increase from previous years, with no current school outbreaks but concern over unvaccinated children attending schools with many exemptions.
• Private schools are more likely than public schools to have vaccination rates below 95%, and nearly 80 schools have rates under 90%, which greatly increases the risk of outbreaks.
• Maryland law requires measles vaccinations for kindergarteners with medical and religious exemptions allowed; however, religious exemptions require only a parent’s signature, making it easier to obtain compared to stricter rules in other states.
• Public health officials and experts warn that vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation is rising, and efforts are underway in Maryland to promote vaccination through legislation, insurance coverage, and free clinics to prevent further measles spread.