May 8, 2025
Minnesota's MMR vaccination rate for kindergartners continues to trend downward according to Minnesota Department Health (MDH) data, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported in its May 7 edition.
Statistics show that about 87% of Minnesota kindergartners have the required two doses of the MMR vaccine. Experts say that 95% coverage is required to reach "herd immunity."
Minnesota now ranks as the fourth worst in the nation in terms of percentage of MMR vaccination rates, only ahead of Idaho, Alaska, and Wisconsin.
"The current loophole in Minnesota law that allows parents to express a conscientious objection to vaccines harms kids and harms our communities," said MMA President Edwin Bogonko, MD, MBA. "We strongly believe that all vaccine exemptions should be for medical contraindications only."
For more information, visit the MDH's school immunizations page.
May 14, 2026
The University of Minnesota Medical School and Staples, Minn.-based Lakewood Health System are expanding rural physician training in the state with a new residency program.
May 14, 2026
On May 8, Sanford Health, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and North Memorial Health announced that they have agreed to merge as a single nonprofit health system.
May 14, 2026
The MMA recently upgraded its member portal to make it more accessible and user-friendly.