As families across Connecticut prepare for the new school year, our state can take pride in another public health achievement: Connecticut has the highest two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate in the nation, with 98.3% of kindergarteners up to date in the 2024–2025 school year. This not only reflects the dedication of parents and healthcare providers but underscores the critical role vaccinations play in safeguarding individuals and entire communities from highly contagious diseases like measles.
Why Vaccination Matters
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, capable of spreading through tiny respiratory droplets that linger in the air and on surfaces. High vaccination coverage interrupts transmission chains, creating “herd immunity”—a community-level defense that protects those who cannot be vaccinated, including infants, people undergoing chemotherapy, and individuals with certain immune disorders. Public health experts agree that achieving at least 95% MMR coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks; Connecticut stands among only ten states to surpass this threshold this year.
Beyond preventing measles-specific outbreaks, routine immunizations reduce absenteeism, keep schools open, and avoid the personal and societal costs of preventable illness. According to DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, “Staying up to date on routine vaccines, particularly as we head into back-to-school season, is crucial for protecting children from preventable diseases and maintaining community-level immunity."
Staying Vigilant: Keeping Immunizations Current
Even with Connecticut’s success, vaccination rates can fluctuate. Nationally, coverage among kindergartners for vaccines like DTaP and MMR dipped in the past year, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance. To ensure every child has the protection they need:
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Check your child’s vaccine record: Parents can securely access school immunization data through the CT WiZ Public Portal at ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord.
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Consult your healthcare provider: Schedule any overdue vaccinations before school begins.
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Stay informed: Review the latest CDC recommendations at cdc.gov/vaccines to understand catch-up schedules and booster requirements.
Governor Ned Lamont reminds us that “these vaccinations have been proven to be safe for many decades and are responsible for preventing the spread of life-threatening illnesses. Let’s keep Connecticut healthy by getting vaccinated and stopping the spread of these diseases."
Beyond Vaccines: Other Critical Precautions
While immunization is our strongest defense, combining vaccines with everyday health practices creates a layered approach to disease prevention:
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Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals and after restroom use.
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Respiratory Etiquette: To limit droplet spread, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow—not hands.
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Stay Home When Sick: Promptly isolate anyone displaying fever, rash, or respiratory symptoms to avoid exposing others.
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Clean Frequently Touched Surfaces: To reduce germ transmission in classrooms and homes, disinfect doorknobs, desks, and shared devices.
Together, these measures help contain outbreaks of various infections— from measles to seasonal flu—and reinforce the protective power of vaccines.
For questions about the Connecticut Vaccine Program, call 860-509-7929 or email [email protected]. Learn more about vaccines and download your immunization records today at ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord.