Mississippi vaccine rates drop in 8 counties as new school year begins, State Health Officer shares warnings

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Eight Mississippi counties have kindergarten vaccine rates below the threshold needed to ensure herd immunity as the new school year begins, the Mississippi Department of Health reports.

Counties below immunity threshold

The following counties have kindergarten vaccination rates below 95%:

• George: 91.8% (lowest in the state)
• Lincoln: 93.0%
• Pontotoc: 93.0%
• Tate: 93.6%
• Tishomingo: 94.2%
• Jackson: 94.6%
• Franklin: 94.7%
• Webster: 94.9%

Read the full health report below from MSDH.

Health officer warns of disease risk

State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said dropping below 95% community immunity creates conditions for disease outbreaks.

“When you drop below 95% of community immunity, then that’s when measles can and will come back,” Edney said. “But not just measles, diphtheria, polio coming back or, God forbid, tetanus.”

Edney noted that infants and children undergoing chemotherapy are among those who cannot yet be vaccinated and depend on community immunity for protection.

“Infants aren’t vaccinated until they’re 12 months old,” Edney said. “The way we protect our babies, the way we protect our children having chemotherapy, or other reasons why they can’t be vaccinated is the rest of us are vaccinated.”

Mississippi’s overall rates remain high

So far in 2026, Mississippi has reported zero measles cases. Whooping cough remains a threat, but no outbreaks have been reported. Edney credited the state’s overall kindergarten vaccination rate of 97.2% — and 99% when factoring in all grade school students — for keeping outbreaks at bay. Here is a list of all vaccines required before entering public schools in Mississippi with no medical or religious exemptions.

Edney said vaccinated students who are exposed to disease would avoid the worst symptoms, but unvaccinated students would be required to isolate.

“It will spread extremely quickly among the unvaccinated,” Edney said. “And we have to protect those children by keeping them at home.”

What parents should watch for

Edney listed the warning signs of measles for parents to monitor.

“Rash with fevers, 101-102 temperatures, conjunctivitis which is red eyes and a runny nose, then that’s very likely measles,” Edney said.

Edney urged parents to consult medical professionals rather than social media for vaccine guidance.

“Go to your doctor or your healthcare provider and have these conversations. Don’t go to Facebook,” Edney said.

Edney said the Mississippi Department of Health is prepared to respond to any outbreaks this school year and has already met with school nurses across the state to ensure plans are in place.

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.