New interactive map models consequences of declining childhood vaccination rates

Researchers at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health recently released an expanded version of VaxImpactMap, Contagion Live reported. The interactive tool models how declining childhood vaccination coverage could affect children, families, and communities across individual states in the United States. [1]

The tool arrives as data released this year demonstrates a continued trend of decreasing immunization rates among kindergarten-aged children in the US, according to Contagion Live. Benjamin Lopman, who holds a PhD, provided insights on how the tool projects long-term health consequences. [1]

Contagion Live reported that the country is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak in decades. The ongoing outbreak has resulted in over 4,000 cases, hundreds of hospitalizations, and six measles-related deaths. [1]

The VaxImpactMap project aims to illustrate the state-level burden of vaccine-preventable diseases if immunization coverage continues to drop. Health experts utilize these projections to demonstrate the potential consequences for public health systems. [1]