Decline in Kindergarten Vaccination Rates Not Viewed as Alarming

Vaccination rates for kindergarteners in the U.S. saw a slight decline from the 2025 to 2026 school year, according to recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Robert Malone, who previously served as the vice chair of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), stated that this drop is not particularly worrisome.

Data released by the CDC on Monday showed that vaccination rates dropped by 0.1% for children starting kindergarten. This decline appears to correlate with an increase in parents seeking vaccine exemptions. However, Malone believes the change isn’t so significant.

“The CDC’s latest report indicates a year-over-year decrease of 0.1% in vaccination acceptance among kindergarteners. The national average often presents changes around 1%. That said, we keep hearing that compliance with recommended vaccine schedules by the CDC is quite low—often in single digits,” Malone explained to Fox News Digital.

He continued, emphasizing that the data should not cause alarm. “These are facts and nothing particularly alarming,” he reiterated. “Even according to the CDC’s reports, compliance rates for kindergartners remain high.” Malone also criticized media reports highlighting the data’s decline.

“This illustrates a clear signal that some parents may be growing dissatisfied with vaccines… but it doesn’t reveal who’s pushing that narrative,” he remarked.

Malone specifically pointed out a report by CNBC about a measles outbreak, arguing that the situation is not unique to the U.S. “While media outlets suggest we face a historic measles outbreak, it’s important to note that similar trends are happening worldwide, including in Canada and several countries without significant vaccine controversies,” he noted.

He added that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles infection.

“In the broader context, measles cases are increasing globally, yet does this new data from kindergartens suggest a considerable risk? Not at all,” he said.

While Malone has been openly critical of mandatory vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, he attributed the small decline in vaccination rates to a growing distrust in the scientific community.

“Is there a possibility that a tiny fraction of the population is becoming more skeptical about childhood vaccinations? Yes, that’s certainly a possibility,” he acknowledged.

Nevertheless, he maintained that vaccination rates are still comparatively high despite any mistrust. “It’s fair to say there have been failures in effective communication by the government stemming from the pandemic, which has certainly been emphasized in recent testimony by key figures like Tony Fauci,” he explained.

“Even with the ongoing debates and controversies around vaccination schedules, including unfounded connections to autism, we consistently observe strong vaccine uptake among kindergartners annually,” Malone concluded. “So, the bottom line is straightforward: remain calm and don’t panic. There’s nothing in these numbers that should cause alarm.”