August 4, 2025
During the 2024-2025 school year, exemptions from one or more vaccines among kindergartners in the U.S. increased to 3.6% from 3.3% the year before.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) on the slight increase in exemptions for vaccines among kindergartners. The data also indicates overall childhood vaccination rates for the upcoming school year decreased as well.
Why It Matters: The new data from the CDC shows vaccine exemptions rose across 36 states, and the childhood vaccination rate for measles has fallen to 92.5%. This is below the 95% threshold that medical experts consider “herd immunity” for preventing outbreaks.
- Vaccine rates for kids have fallen slightly but consistently for five years in a row.
- The 3.6% of exemptions equates to a total of 138,000 children.
- Reasons for exemptions can range from medical conditions to religious reasons.
- In 2025, the CDC has confirmed a total of 1,333 measles cases and 29 outbreaks.
- The CDC has emailed the same statement to various media outlets, saying, “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. Parents should consult their health care providers on options for their families.” Adding later: “Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from serious diseases like measles and whooping cough, which can lead to hospitalization and long-term health complications.”
Another Perspective: The Academy of Pediatrics released a statement regarding the data saying, “The good news is the vast majority of parents vaccinate their children. As pediatricians, we know that immunizing children helps them stay healthy, and when everyone can be immunized, it’s harder for diseases to spread in our communities. At this moment when preventable diseases are on the rise, we need clear, effective communication from government leaders recommending immunizations as the best way to ensure children’s immune systems are prepared to fight dangerous diseases.”
Read More: Vaccination Coverage and Exemptions among Kindergartners (CDC)
Vaccine rates for kindergartners fall as exemptions rise (Axios)
US childhood vaccination rates fall again as exemptions set another record (AP)
by Kelly Dean, Based in Kentucky.
