Vaccination rates among children decreasing as exemptions rise, according to CDC data
The United States is witnessing a concerning trend in vaccination rates, with an increasing number of kindergarteners exempt from one or more vaccines. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 138,000 kindergarteners were exempt in the 2024-25 school year, leaving an estimated 286,000 children vulnerable to diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough.
This surge in non-medical exemptions reflects a growing influence of misinformation and shifting policy. The majority of exemptions are for nonmedical reasons, typically related to religious or personal beliefs. Political and social influences, including notable figures undermining established vaccine norms and a stated emphasis on personal choice by health authorities, have also played a role.
The decreasing vaccination rates have fallen below the herd immunity threshold, with coverage for key vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), and polio at around 92%. This is a significant drop from the recommended 95% coverage needed to protect vulnerable individuals, such as newborns and those with weakened immune systems.
The consequences of this trend are serious. The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in more than 30 years, with over 1,300 confirmed cases and numerous outbreaks in 2025, a disease previously declared eliminated in 2000. Young children are disproportionately affected, with 29% of cases in kids under 5 years old, raising risks of hospitalization and long-term complications.
Reduced vaccination rates increase the risk of outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases, potentially leading to higher morbidity, mortality, and strain on healthcare systems. For instance, last year saw a record level of whooping cough cases, with over 35,000 cases reported.
Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that immunizing children helps them stay healthy. By ensuring all children can access immunizations before entering school, it's harder for diseases to spread in communities. Dr. John Brownstein further emphasised that the increase in exemptions can erode the network of immunity that protects all children.
In light of these concerns, medical groups have taken legal action against the Health and Human Services (HHS) and RFK Jr. over 'unlawful' vaccine changes. The situation underscores the need for renewed efforts in vaccination outreach and policy to ensure the health and safety of all children in the U.S.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Measles Cases and Outbreaks - United States, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
[2] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025). Vaccine Exemptions. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Pages/Vaccine-Exemptions.aspx
[3] National Conference of State Legislatures. (2025). Vaccine Exemptions. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-vaccination-requirements-and-exemptions.aspx
[4] World Health Organization. (2021). Vaccine hesitancy. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vaccine-hesitancy
- Amidst growing concerns over decreasing vaccination rates, there's a call for increased collaboration between health authorities, medical professionals, and policymakers to promote science-based health-and-wellness initiatives, such as vaccination programs that address medical-conditions like measles, polio, and whooping cough, and combat vaccine hesitancy.
- In the battle to maintain herd immunity, advocates for health and safety are working tirelessly to counter the influence of misinformation, emphasizing the benefits of CBD (a non-psychoactive component of cannabis) for managing chronic pain and inflammation, rather than relying on unfounded beliefs that could compromise the health of entire communities.
