In response to a minor surge in measles cases across the state, Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a new web portal aimed at bolstering vaccine access and public health awareness. With four cases confirmed this year, three in New York City and one in Suffolk County, officials are urging residents to stay informed and up-to-date on vaccinations. The Governor stressed the importance of these preventive measures saying, “Measles doesn’t belong in the 21st century, and it certainly doesn’t belong in the State of New York,” according to a statement released by her office.
While none of the cases in New York this year are connected to outbreaks in other states, the risk to New Yorkers from those outbreaks is considered low. Nevertheless, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the crucial role of immunization in preventing measles, a sentiment echoed by Gov. Hochul and local health departments that are working together with the CDC to monitor the situation. “The single way to prevent measles is to be immunized, and this is an irrefutable fact. Measles is much more than just a rash. In the current outbreak in the United States, one in five people are being admitted to a hospital. I urge all New Yorkers to ensure they are current on their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunizations and immediately get vaccinated if they are not,” Dr. McDonald told the Governor’s office.
New data suggests that the statewide vaccination rate for children up to two years old, excluding New York City, is at 81.4 percent, which is below the typically higher coverage among school-age children. In the fight against this highly contagious disease, New Yorkers are encouraged to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, and those uncertain about their immunization status should reach out to their healthcare provider or local health department for guidance, the Governor’s office reported…