On this West Virginia Morning, the coronavirus pandemic has led to a steep drop in standard immunizations. We explore the local and national conversation surrounding vaccines. Also, in this show, we hear how one state in the Ohio Valley region is trying to increase coronavirus testing access.
Recent numbers show the treatment rate for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is down 50 percent. The diphtheria and pertussis vaccination is down more than 40 percent. And some states report vaccine programs for uninsured children have seen even steeper declines. Since March, doses for some vaccinations in Massachusetts and Minnesota were down nearly 70 percent.
On the latest episode of our podcast Us & Them, host Trey Kay speaks with Executive Director and Health Officer for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, Dr. Sherri Young.
Some states are developing their own plans to expand COVID-19 testing in the absence of a federal strategy. The Ohio Valley ReSource’s Aaron Payne reports one state in the Ohio Valley is partnering with other states to increase access to rapid detection tests.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University, and Shepherd University.
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