Texas health officials on Thursday warned that declining vaccination rates in multiple regions could increase the risk of future measles outbreaks and threaten the United States’ measles elimination status, which federal authorities established in 2000 after years of sustained low transmission.
Public health leaders in North Texas and Lubbock reported drops in routine childhood immunizations, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and shared the trends with state and local agencies that track vaccination coverage and disease surveillance.
Officials noted the warnings come a year after West Texas experienced the country’s worst recent measles outbreak, where multiple laboratory-confirmed cases were linked to under-vaccinated communities. The outbreak prompted extensive contact tracing, public exposure notices, and coordinated vaccination clinics across affected counties.
Health authorities analyzed immunization registry data, school and childcare records, and reports from medical providers to identify areas with lower MMR coverage at higher risk for transmission. Some school districts in North Texas fell below the CDC’s recommended 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
Lubbock-area officials worked with hospitals, clinics, and school nurses to reach children and adults who missed routine vaccinations. State health leaders continue collaborating with regional departments, school systems, and healthcare providers to track trends, respond to suspected cases, and prepare rapid response plans for potential outbreaks.
Officials also emphasized public education efforts, including information campaigns, community meetings, and provider guidance, to explain measles spread, MMR vaccine benefits, and the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage.
Health departments said they will review updated vaccination data, case reports, and school audits in the coming months to determine whether additional interventions or policy adjustments are needed to prevent renewed measles transmission in Texas.
