Almost three percent of families in our area have made a clear choice: no more vaccines for their children.

This growing trend of vaccine exemptions is raising alarms, especially in some counties where the number of unvaccinated kids is high enough to threaten herd immunity — the protection that keeps deadly diseases from spreading.

A decline in vaccination rates

Data analyzed by NBC News in partnership with researchers at Stanford University reveals a nationwide trend: since 2019, 77% of American counties have seen a drop in vaccination rates.

West Texas was a focal point in this debate after a recent measles outbreak that tragically claimed the lives of two children.

Local health officials point to the anti-vaccination movement as a key factor. More families are choosing exemptions

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