Vaccination rates for kindergarteners have dropped for the 2024-25 school year, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The percentage of children receiving the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTAP) vaccine fell to 92.1%, while the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, along with polio vaccines, decreased to 92.5%.
This decline is occurring amid increasing cases of measles in the U.S., which is particularly concerning given that measles is one of the most contagious diseases globally.
This year alone, there have been 29 outbreaks, leading to over 1,330 confirmed measles cases across 40 states, based on the latest CDC figures.
The World Health Organization suggests that a herd immunity level requires about 95% of the population to be vaccinated to effectively counter the disease.
Vaccination coverage has dropped in over half of the states compared to last year, with around 286,000 kindergarteners entering school without proof of having completed the MMR vaccine series.
Exemptions from vaccinations have also increased, with a total of 138,000 kindergarteners not receiving one or more vaccines last year.
The percentage of exemptions rose from 3.3% to 3.6% between 2024 and 2025.
This increase has been observed in 36 states plus Washington, D.C., with 17 states reporting exemption rates exceeding 5%.
The federal vaccine policy has faced significant changes under the Trump administration, raising concerns about future vaccine accessibility within the medical community.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine skepticism, has altered the procedures around vaccine recommendations and eligibility for the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Making the choice to get vaccinated is a personal one,” a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson mentioned. “Parents should discuss their options with their healthcare providers.”
The spokesperson emphasized that vaccinations remain the most effective means of safeguarding children against serious illnesses like measles and whooping cough, which can lead to severe health complications or even death.
