Kindergarten vaccination rates fall to new low

Vaccination coverage among kindergartners decreased during the 2024 to 2025 school year as exemptions rose.

Vaccination rates among kindergarteners decline as exemptions reach historic peak

The vaccination rates among U.S. kindergartners dropped during the 2024 to 2025 school year, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coverage for vaccines like DTaP and MMR fell slightly, with roughly 92.1% and 92.5% of kindergartners vaccinated, respectively. This decline occurs amid the highest number of measles cases recorded in over three decades, largely attributed to an outbreak in West Texas affecting mostly unvaccinated children. Exemptions from mandatory vaccinations also rose to 3.6%, with 36 states reporting increases, raising serious concerns about public health and herd immunity.

The drop in vaccination rates, particularly in the context of rising exemptions, signals a troubling trend in public health. Experts emphasize that herd immunity requires at least 95% coverage. The ongoing measles outbreaks, fueled by declining vaccination rates, underscore the critical need for renewed public vaccination efforts. As misinformation about vaccine safety spreads, it is essential that health officials address these concerns effectively. Failure to do so could lead to further outbreaks and public health crises.

Highlights

As public health officials grapple with rising exemption rates, maintaining vaccination confidence will be key to preventing future outbreaks.