Kindergarten Vaccine Exemptions Hit Record High as US Childhood Vaccination Rates Decline
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that exemptions from vaccination among U.S. kindergarten students reached a record high during the 2025-2026 school year and national coverage with several routine childhood vaccines continued to decline. The CDC said the rate of exemptions for at least one required school vaccine rose to 4.2 percent from 3.6 percent the year before. That adds up to about 155,000 kindergarten students nationwide who have received vaccine exemptions.
At the same time, the coverage of key childhood vaccines, such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, chickenpox, and diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), decreased. Kindergartners’ national MMR coverage rate dropped to approximately 92.4%, below the 95% threshold public health experts say is necessary to stop ongoing measles transmission.
The decline comes as the U.S. wrestles with new fears about vaccine-preventable diseases, especially measles. Measles, one of the largest outbreaks in decades, had thousands of cases by 2026, CDC said. Public health officials say that small declines in vaccination coverage create openings, especially when unvaccinated groups are concentrated in particular communities.
More States Report Rise in Vaccine Exemptions
More states reported rises in vaccine exemptions for kindergartners. CDC data showed exemptions increased in 41 states and Washington D.C. and the rate of exemptions exceeded 5% in 24 states. Most were nonmedical exemptions, which are given for reasons other than a documented medical condition that contraindicates vaccination.
The outbreak has sparked debate about school vaccination policies and public health protections. But exemption rules and vaccination levels differ across the country because school attendance requirements are different from state to state. Health experts say lower vaccination rates could make outbreaks more likely. Diseases such as measles thrive in populations with lower immunity.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. Public health officials have been working for years to reach about 95% vaccination coverage to protect the community from large outbreaks. For several important childhood vaccines, latest CDC data show national coverage is below that threshold.
The overall percentage drop might not sound like much, but experts say the impact at the population level can be significant, because each percentage point is thousands of more children who could be susceptible to infection. The trend also poses a challenge to schools, health care providers and public health departments as they prepare for outbreaks. Schools are also a key venue for detecting gaps in vaccination coverage: Many states check immunization records at kindergarten entry.
Child Vaccination Rates Continue to Plummet
CDC data indicates that childhood vaccination coverage has continued to fall since the COVID-19 pandemic period. Coverage for all of the major vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, and varicella) among kindergarten students declined for the 2025-2026 school year. Coverage of MMR was 92.4% and DTaP was about 92%. Polio vaccination coverage was also 92.4 per cent.
Health officials cite a number of reasons for the decline, including shifts in public confidence, misinformation, barriers to access and the rise in nonmedical exemptions. During the pandemic, routine health care visits were disrupted and many families missed out on childhood vaccinations. Health systems have been trying to get routine immunization programs back on track, but some communities are still experiencing drops in vaccination rates.
The decline has been more pronounced and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases more frequent. Measles is the most obvious example. In the United States alone, there were over 2,500 confirmed cases in 2026. Vaccination programs are not just about individual choice, but maintaining high levels of protection in the community,” said the public health experts.
As vaccination rates decline, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, people with certain medical conditions and vulnerable groups are at greater risk. CDC continues to recommend families get their children caught up on recommended vaccinations before returning to school.
Public Health Officials Warn of Measles Outbreak Threat
It is particularly troubling that as measles cases are on the rise across the country, kindergarten vaccination rates are declining. Measles caused many illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in children before the widespread availability of vaccination programs. In 2000, successful vaccination campaigns enabled the United States to declare the disease eliminated.
But with vaccination rates falling, the conditions are ripe for outbreaks to spread more easily. “Communities with low vaccination rates are especially vulnerable because infectious diseases can spread quickly in schools and neighborhoods where fewer people are protected,” health officials say.
The CDC data comes amid heightened discussion around federal vaccine policy and recommendations for childhood immunization. Health experts say public health messages have changed so much that some parents are confused. Doctors and pediatric groups have urged families to get their medical advice from evidence-based sources and discuss vaccination schedules with health care providers.
They also point out that routine childhood vaccines have been extensively studied and are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious infectious diseases. The challenge for public health officials is how much, and when, to communicate amid rising vaccine skepticism in some communities.
Restoring confidence means clear information, easier access to health care and improved communication between doctors and families, experts say. The increase in exemptions underscores that vaccine decisions continue to be a significant public health issue as schools gear up for the upcoming school years.
Vaccine Policy Debate Heating Up Around America
The latest vaccination numbers are sure to feed into the country’s debate over school shot requirements and exemption policies. Supporters say tougher rules are needed to keep communities safe and prevent outbreaks by raising vaccination rates. Mandate opponents say families should have more say in medical decisions involving their children.
In recent years, the debate has become more politicized and vaccine policies vary dramatically from state to state. Some states have tried to tighten their school vaccination laws. Some have expanded exemption options. Those state-to-state disparities can create unequal protection from infectious diseases, say public health groups. CDC data showing wide state-to-state variation in vaccination coverage and exemption rates illustrate that disparity.
As vaccination rates fall, schools’ responsibilities are expanding, from tracking immunization records to reaching out to families and creating outbreak response plans. Health care providers struggle to reach families who have delayed or refused routine vaccinations. Experts said levels of childhood vaccination will require cooperation among government agencies, schools, medical professionals and parents.
The latest numbers don’t say all kids are unimmunized. But they are saying there is a continuing move away from the high levels of vaccination we used to see. Health officials are watching to see whether the new school year will provide stability in vaccination coverage or a further decline. “Continuing to boost childhood immunizations is critical to prevent outbreaks and protect children across the country,” the CDC said.
