Oregon has reported a record 9.7% of kindergartners claiming nonmedical exemptions for the 2024-25 school year, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). This represents a nearly 1% increase from the previous year and is the fourth-highest rate in the US.
The rise in nonmedical exemptions weakens community immunity, making it easier for outbreaks of serious diseases to occur. “An immunized community is our most effective defense against diseases like measles,” said Stacy de Assis Matthews, school immunization coordinator at OHA. Despite this, vaccination rates among kindergartners are down for the third consecutive year.
Only 86.3% of Oregon kindergartners were fully vaccinated with required immunizations in the 2024-2025 school year, according to OHA data. However, many families continue to vaccinate their children, and most recognize the importance of vaccines in keeping schools and communities free from diseases.
In Marion County, 86.7% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated, while in Polk County, it was 86.9%, and in Lane County, it was 88.8%. Vaccination rates can be found on the Oregon Immunization Coverage webpage.
A nonmedical exemption is when a person chooses not to get vaccinated for personal or philosophical reasons. OHA is working to increase awareness and education about vaccination programs as part of its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. The plan aims to strengthen public confidence in vaccination programs, which have dramatically reduced the burden of infectious diseases.
For more information on immunization requirements and vaccine access, visit the OHA website or contact your local health department for support through 211.
Source: https://eu.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/health/2025/05/15/oregon-vaccine-exemptions/83655346007