As classrooms across the United States fill with students this fall, health experts are raising alarms over a concerning drop in childhood vaccination rates. The trend, observed in multiple states, has sparked debates about public health preparedness and the long-term implications for disease prevention.
Data from local health departments reveals lower-than-expected uptake for routine immunizations against measles, polio, and whooping cough. While no single cause has been identified, analysts point to disrupted healthcare access during the pandemic and evolving parental attitudes toward vaccine schedules as potential factors.
Dr. Alicia Tan, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, told KhabarAsia: "This isn't just a US issue – it affects global health security. Diseases know no borders, especially in our interconnected world."
The development comes as education officials balance COVID-19 safety protocols with traditional health requirements. Some school districts have extended grace periods for vaccination compliance, while others maintain strict entry rules.
