MN Childhood Vaccine Rate Continues To Fall

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Health encourages parents to get "back on track" with vaccines as the state's childhood immunization rates continue to drop since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, 69.2 percent of Minnesota’s 2-year-olds were up to date for recommended immunizations

The 2023 rate fell to 63 percent, according to state data.

“Getting babies recommended immunizations by 2 years of age is the best way to protect them,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division at the MDH.

"We know families are busy, but we also know they want what’s best for their children, so this is a reminder that it’s never too late to get children caught up on the vaccines they need for protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases."

Data from Childhood Immunization Coverage shows vaccination rates are also down throughout the U.S., "a troubling trend, particularly as cases of measles, a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease, have recently occurred in numerous states, including Minnesota," the MDH said.

Health officials are encouraging parents to take these action steps during National Infant Immunization Week (April 22-29).

Check your child’s immunization record to see what vaccines your child has received and what vaccines they may need.

Go to Find My Immunization Record to request it from MDH or learn about using the free, secure app called Docket.

Contact your child’s health care provider to schedule a well-child visit and immunization.

Find a clinic that offers free or low-cost shots for children if your child does not have health insurance or insurance may not cover all the costs.