Missed early vaccines tied to parents later skipping measles shots

The importance of childhood vaccinations cannot be understated, as they protect children from serious and potentially deadly diseases. A new study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on the significance of timely vaccination in early childhood. The study found that babies who do not receive their first round of vaccines at 2 months of age are much less likely to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella by age 2.

The study, conducted by epidemiologist Nina Masters and her team, analyzed data from about 322,000 children born between 2017 and 2023 who received care from a health care system in the Truveta network. The findings revealed that children who experienced delays in their initial vaccinations were more than seven times more likely to miss their first measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shot by age 2. This underscores the importance of adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies should receive their first MMR shot between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose administered between 4 and 6 years old. The study highlighted that early vaccination delays can lead to further delays or missed vaccinations, indicating a pattern of vaccine hesitancy that starts early in a child’s life.

The study also noted a concerning trend of declining vaccination rates, particularly for the MMR vaccine, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The CDC reported a record 2,065 confirmed measles cases in 2025, the highest in over three decades. This surge in cases underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Pediatricians play a crucial role in encouraging parents to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule. The study emphasized the need for pediatricians to educate parents about the importance of timely vaccination and to provide strong recommendations for vaccination. Early conversations with parents about the benefits of vaccination can help ensure that children receive their vaccines on time and are protected from preventable diseases.

The findings of this study highlight the critical role of pediatricians in promoting childhood vaccinations and the importance of timely immunization to protect children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to safeguard the health of children and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Parents are encouraged to consult with their pediatricians to ensure that their children receive all recommended vaccines on schedule. The importance of following the recommended vaccination schedule for infants cannot be overstated. Research shows that receiving a recommendation from a trusted medical practitioner is crucial in convincing parents to vaccinate their children. However, with multiple shots scheduled for the 2-month visit, pediatricians have a limited window of opportunity to establish trust with new parents.

Dr. Masters emphasizes the need for pediatricians to discuss vaccines early, build trust, and educate parents from the very first visit. Waiting until the 2-month visit may result in parents declining or delaying vaccinations. It is essential to start the conversation right away to ensure that parents understand the importance of vaccines for their child’s health.

One of the challenges faced is that not all babies adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule. A study found that less than half of the babies in the study cohort saw their medical providers according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule, even though they had a medical home and health insurance. This discrepancy highlights the need to reach out to parents who may not have access to medical care or who may be hesitant about vaccinations.

Dr. Brewer notes that while most children receive some vaccines, parents who deviate from the recommended schedule for certain shots are more likely to skip other vaccines as well. This trend underscores the importance of following the vaccination schedule to ensure full protection against preventable diseases.

The study does not account for the impact of recent changes in vaccination policy, including the CDC’s decision to revise the hepatitis B vaccination recommendation. Previously, all babies were offered hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth, but now, the recommendation is limited to babies whose mothers tested positive for hepatitis B or have an unknown status. Other babies can start the vaccination at 2 months if their parents choose to do so.

Dr. Masters and her colleagues are considering investigating the implications of the hepatitis B vaccine changes. It is crucial to stay informed about vaccination recommendations and ensure that infants receive timely and appropriate vaccinations to protect their health.