Several Bucks County schools fall below recommended measles vaccination threshold, report finds
State data showed 12 schools under 90% immunization rate for kindergarten students in 2024
A dozen schools across Bucks County reported measles vaccination rates below 90% among kindergarten students in 2024, raising concerns among public health experts about vulnerability to outbreaks of the highly contagious virus.
According to a PhillyBurbs report citing Pennsylvania Department of Health data analyzed by The Philadelphia Inquirer, most of the schools with lower immunization rates were private, faith-based or charter institutions. Health officials generally recommend at least a 95% vaccination rate to maintain “herd immunity” and help prevent measles outbreaks from spreading through communities.
Among the schools with the lowest reported rates were Plumstead Christian School at 59.5%, First Children’s Academy at 65.4% and Faith Christian Academy at 77.6%. Several public schools also appeared on the list, including Belmont Hills Elementary School, Holland Elementary School and two schools within the Palisades School District.
Health officials note measles remains one of the world’s most contagious viruses, capable of spreading rapidly among unvaccinated populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 children infected with measles can die from complications, while others may suffer severe neurological damage, blindness or respiratory illness. By comparison, serious side effects from the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are considered rare.
