Santa Cruz County children at risk for whooping cough and measles—vaccines can protect them

Pediatric providers in Santa Cruz County warn of rising whooping cough and measles cases, urging routine vaccinations and boosters. - Whooping cough cases have reached 33 this year, mostly in middle and high school students.

- Measles has not yet been detected locally, but California has 46 cases and the U.S. over 1,700.

- MMR vaccination rate for kindergartners is 91.1%, below the 95% herd immunity threshold. - Providers stress that vaccines are safe and effective, and boosters are needed as immunity wanes.

The Santa Cruz County Pediatric Health Workgroup calls on parents to check vaccination records and act now to protect the community.