Insurer: Children not getting vaccines for measles, polio, more

Another fallout from the coronavirus pandemic: Many Lehigh Valley children are missing out on vaccines for measles, polio and other highly contagious diseases.

That’s according to Capital BlueCross, the Harrisburg insurance company that also serves the Valley. It released data Wednesday along with a national report by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, one of the nation’s largest federations of insurance companies.

Locally, routine childhood vaccinations have declined as much as 19%, or nearly 17,000 doses, in the first nine months of 2020 compared with the same period last year.

Capital BlueCross said it saw the largest drop in immunization claims in March through May, coinciding with the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a troubling trend that could have devastating consequences,” Dr. Jennifer Chambers, Capital BlueCross’ chief medical officer, said in a news release. She said if children miss vaccines, it not only puts their health and well-being at risk, but also contributes to community spread for the diseases, some of which have been considered largely eradicated for decades.

Capital BlueCross said parents or guardians should check on their children’s immunization by calling their pediatricians. If vaccinations have been missed, consult with the pediatrician on the best course of action to get caught up.

Children in the United States are on pace this year to miss 9 million vaccine doses, according to the medical data. A survey by the Blue Cross association found 40% of parents attributed their child’s missed vaccinations to the pandemic shutdown.

Capital BlueCross’ childhood immunization claims from January through September show:

DTaP vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) dropped 18% from 2019, representing about 13,500 missed immunizations.

MMR vaccinations (measles, mumps and rubella) fell 24% from last year, representing nearly 3,000 missed immunizations.

Vaccinations for polio declined 26% from last year, representing more than 500 missed immunizations.

Capital BlueCross operates in 21 central and eastern Pennsylvania counties.

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