Reports: Vaccination Rates Down During Coronavirus Pandemic - Bay News 9

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — New reports show numbers are down for children receiving immunization shots, possibly due to the coronavirus pandemic making parents hesitant to bring children to doctors' offices.

The CDC reports in March 2020 a 4 percent drop in the distribution of the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella through its program for uninsured children, compared to the prior.

In addition, PCC, a company that tracks changes in pediatric trends, surveyed 1,000 pediatricians across the country, comparing the week of February 16 to the week of April 5.  The results, according to the company, show a 50 percent drop in the MMR vaccine and a 42 percent drop in vaccinations for diphtheria and whooping cough.

Dr. Duane Rommel, a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Center in Palm Harbor, called it a potentially dangerous side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are significant illnesses which are still common in the United States and would have much higher incidents of serious illness or death for kids than the coronavirus,” Rommel said.

Rommel said his office has fielded a number of calls from concerned parents who are unsure about coming in during the pandemic.  He said the practice has decided to follow guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and is advising parents to keep appointments for wellness visits that involve vaccinations.

“We’re always weighing risks versus rewards,” Rommel said.

Children’s Medical Center is also taking a number of precautions to ensure patient safety.  Rommel said wellness visits are only scheduled for mornings, separate from afternoon sick visits. Parents and patients check in outside and wait in their cars and all staff where proper PPE.

Finally, Rommel suggests parents who have concerns about an upcoming appointment contact their child’s pediatrician for advice on how to move forward.

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