CDC Reports Drop in Kindergarten Vaccination Rates as Measles Cases Surge

A record number of U.S. kindergartners entered school last year without full vaccination coverage, leaving them more vulnerable as measles cases rise to their highest levels in decades, according to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 3.6% of kindergarten students in the 2024-25 school year were exempt from at least one state-required vaccine, representing roughly 138,000 children. More than 286,000 kindergartners had not completed their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine series.

MMR coverage fell to 92.5%, marking the fifth straight year it has been below the federal target of 95%—a level considered necessary to prevent outbreaks. Most exemptions were for non-medical reasons.

Forty-five states allow religious exemptions, while 15 also allow exemptions for personal or philosophical reasons. The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its position this week that non-medical exemptions should be eliminated.

Dr. Josh Williams, a pediatrician and associate professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, warned that declining coverage leaves some communities with insufficient herd immunity to prevent outbreaks.

Texas, where exemption rates have surged above 4%, has been hit particularly hard, with new laws set to make filing exemptions easier.

Health experts say small declines in vaccination rates have a cumulative effect over time, creating clusters of unprotected children. This year’s outbreak has resulted in three deaths and dozens of hospitalizations, mostly among unvaccinated children.

Despite these declines, Williams said most parents continue to vaccinate their children. He urged parents to seek vaccinations before the new school year to ensure their children are protected.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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