Introduction to US Childhood Vaccination Rates
The US has seen a decline in childhood vaccination rates, with a record-breaking number of exemptions in the last year. According to federal data, the fraction of kids exempted from vaccine requirements rose to 4.1%, up from 3.7% the year before. This increase in exemptions has led to a slight decrease in vaccination rates, with 92.5% of 2024-25 kindergartners getting their required measles-mumps-rubella shots, down from 95% before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trends in Vaccination Rates
The vaccination numbers were posted as the U.S. experiences its worst year for measles spread in more than three decades, with more than 1,300 cases so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traditionally releases the vaccination coverage data in its flagship publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. However, this year, the agency quietly posted the data online and provided a statement when asked about it. The statement emphasized that "the decision to vaccinate is a personal one" and that "vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from serious diseases like measles and whooping cough."
Importance of Vaccination Rates
Public health officials focus on vaccination rates for kindergartners because schools can be a breeding ground for germs and a launching pad for community outbreaks. For years, vaccination rates were high, thanks largely to school attendance mandates that required key vaccinations. All U.S. states and territories require that children attending child care centers and schools be vaccinated against a number of diseases, including measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, whooping cough, and chickenpox.
Exemptions from Vaccination
All states allow exemptions for children with medical conditions that prevent them from receiving certain vaccines. And most also permit exemptions for religious or other nonmedical reasons. In the last decade, the percentage of kindergartners with medical exemptions has held steady, at about 0.2%. However, the percentage with nonmedical exemptions has risen. The rates can be influenced by policies that make it harder or easier to obtain exemptions, and by local attitudes among families and doctors about the need to get children vaccinated.
Factors Influencing Vaccination Rates
Online misinformation and the political divide that emerged around COVID-19 vaccines have led more parents to question routine childhood vaccinations, experts say. According to the CDC data, 15.4% of kindergartners had an exemption to one or more vaccines in Idaho in the last school year. But fewer than 0.5% did in Connecticut. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Conclusion
The decline in childhood vaccination rates and the increase in exemptions are concerning trends that can have serious consequences for public health. It is essential for parents to consult their healthcare providers and make informed decisions about vaccinating their children. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from serious diseases, and it is crucial that we prioritize vaccination to prevent outbreaks and ensure the health and well-being of our communities.
FAQs
Q: What is the current vaccination rate for kindergartners in the US?
A: The current vaccination rate for kindergartners in the US is 92.5%, down from 95% before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: What is the percentage of kindergartners with exemptions?
A: The percentage of kindergartners with exemptions is 4.1%, up from 3.7% the year before.
Q: Why are vaccination rates important?
A: Vaccination rates are important because they help prevent the spread of diseases and protect public health.
Q: What factors influence vaccination rates?
A: Vaccination rates can be influenced by policies, local attitudes, and online misinformation.
Q: What is the role of the CDC in promoting vaccination?
A: The CDC plays a crucial role in promoting vaccination by providing data, guidance, and education to healthcare providers and the public.
By MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer
Originally Published: July 31, 2025 at 11:42 AM PDT
