Vaccines Help Keep the Holidays Merry—and Healthy

With the holiday season in full swing, I want to take a moment to remind every resident of Rockland County about the critical importance of keeping vaccinations up to date. With more of us gathering, traveling, and reconnecting with loved ones, the health of our community matters now more than ever.

For decades, childhood immunizations have shielded children from dangerous diseases, some of which can result in lifelong complications or even death. Vaccines have proven to be among the most effective tools we have to protect public health. Here in Rockland County, we remain proud to promote their use and urge parents to follow the recommended vaccination schedule. Every immunization offered today has been tested extensively and is safe for babies, young children, and adults alike — and vitally important to their long-term health.

This year, we have 21 confirmed cases of measles in Rockland County, brought by a mixture of imported infections from travel and community transmission — a sharp reminder that diseases once thought under control can return when vaccination rates slip.

In many other states including Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina, outbreaks have surpassed triple digits. It’s a sobering reality to see eliminated diseases resurging because people are choosing to delay or skip vaccinations, thinking it is safer — when in fact it leaves children and families at risk. All this does is create gaps in our community’s protection, giving highly contagious diseases like measles a chance to spread.

That is why I urge all parents and adults to check their family’s vaccination records now, and ensure your children complete the full recommended series. The standard course of immunizations remains our best defense against outbreaks. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is about 97% effective in preventing measles after two doses.

By staying current with immunizations, you are doing more than protecting your own child — you are protecting our entire community, including those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. That protection is especially important now, as many of us travel or gather indoors during the holidays.

If you or a loved one is in need of immunizations, contact the Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) at 845-364-2520 or 2524 or visit RocklandCountyNY.gov for information about free immunization clinics.

This holiday season, let’s make sure the memories we create are filled with joy and warmth — not illness. By acting now and doing our part, we can help keep Rockland County safe and healthy for everyone.