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Missouri Ozarks See 5-6% Drop in Childhood Vaccinations

6/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In the picturesque Ozarks of Missouri, childhood vaccination rates have dropped by 5-6% since the 2019-2020 school year, driven by rampant misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in the wake of COVID-19. While some counties are seeing improvements through education and school clinics, experts urge communities to embrace scientific facts to alleviate fears about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

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Story summary

In the picturesque Ozarks of Missouri, childhood vaccination rates have dropped by 5-6% since the 2019-2020 school year, driven by rampant misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in the wake of COVID-19. While some counties are seeing improvements through education and school clinics, experts urge communities to embrace scientific facts to alleviate fears about vaccine safety and effectiveness.