Health Department Continues Prevention Measures

NEW CITY – The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) recognizes that our county has one of the lowest Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination rates in New York State. The New York State Department of Health calculates MMR vaccination rates based on data of children ages 24-35 months that received one MMR immunization before their second birthday. In January 2024, the overall county MMR rate for this cohort was 54.4% and rose to 62% as of January 2025.

While these rates are still low, massive efforts have occurred and continue to be implemented to bring MMR rates higher. The RCDOH is concentrating its efforts to raise vaccination rates by auditing school compliance, operating immunization clinics, sending reminder/recall letters, and working with local providers:

• Auditing schools for compliance with vaccine mandates is a high priority, especially after the case of Polio in 2022. In 2024, RCDOH audited 39 schools and 23 daycares. Efforts are continuing in 2025 with approximately 2 schools per week receiving an audit. The New York State Department of Health also performs audits statewide.

• The RCDOH immunization clinic in Spring Valley increased the number of days and the hours the clinic operates. Anyone who reaches out for an MMR vaccine is given an immediate appointment.

• In 2022, a centralized patient reminder/recall letter process was initiated. RCDOH sends reminder letters to parents of children who have fallen behind and need immunizations.

• RCDOH is proactively working with local health care providers. Providers have been encouraged to call and follow up with patients that need vaccinations. A guidance letter was sent in late February, asking them to start offering MMR vaccination at 6 months of age if deemed high risk (instead of 1 year old which is routine). Acute care providers were offered a RCDOH-led webinar discussing prevention in healthcare settings and triage of possible cases.

• Summer camp Commissioner Orders have required full immunization for camp attendees since 2022.

• A marketing campaign took place in 2024 that included print ads in various outlets, on social media, redesigned and distributed brochures, and appearances on local, multi-lingual radio talk shows.

• The Commissioner of Health is holding meetings with pediatricians and healthcare providers along with community leaders and local elected officials to reinforce the critical importance of age-appropriate immunizations.

“We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves, their families, and all residents of our county by taking proactive measures to prevent another measles outbreak in Rockland. Staff at the Health Department are available to host educational presentations for interested community groups and assist with immunizations efforts. We are working tirelessly to reach vulnerable communities and are committed to mitigating the risk to Rockland residents,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

Severe illness and complications occur in people who are unvaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe with two doses of the vaccine being 97% effective. Vaccination is the best prevention! Anyone not protected through past infection or vaccination is at risk of getting the disease.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on earth, with 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus becoming infected. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can even be contracted just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, up to two hours after that person has left. Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), or runny nose.

Measles can be severe in all age groups; however, several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Complications of measles include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization, and death.

“Public health officials and providers practicing in the post-COVID era know that vaccine misinformation is a fire that is easy to start but takes a significant amount of time and effort to put out. There is no instant gratification, but we have and will remain fervently committed to this endeavor, even when the spotlight fades,” concluded Dr. Leahy.