BCBSA data shows 26% decrease in childhood vaccinations in 2020

According to data collected by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), 40% of parents and legal guardians report their children missed vaccinations because they avoided routine medical care during the pandemic. As a result, an estimated 26% fewer childhood immunizations will occur by the end 2020. The association said this decrease threatens to leave U.S. communities at risk of losing protection against highly contagious diseases such as measles, whooping cough and polio. Most vaccination postponements occurred from March through May, and again in August, when vaccination rates typically spike as students prepare for fall school attendance. (BCBS Association news release, 11/18/20)