After measles, chicken pox vaccine drop off in 2020, Maryland pushes back-to-school shots

 From reporter Courtney Pomeroy, WJLA Channel 7 news. Full story here.

There's been a lot of talk lately about kids and the COVID-19 vaccine, but Maryland officials are concerned about a few other types of immunizations, as well.

Gov. Larry Hogan's has declared August Immunization Awareness Month and is asking parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on their routine shots after large drop-offs in 2020.

According to Maryland’s immunization information system, April 2020 saw a decrease of 46% when compared to April 2019 in terms of vaccinations given to children from birth to age 18.

"For routine childhood vaccinations, the largest decreases occurred in the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine—a decrease of 71%—and the chickenpox vaccine—a decrease of 68%," according to a Monday news release.

"As we reopen schools this year for full time in-person learning, it's important to remember that school enrollment requires students to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations," said State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury.