US kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with a record-breaking 4.1% of children exempted from vaccine requirements in 2023-24, according to federal data. This marks the third consecutive year of declining rates and the highest exemption rate on record.
The measles-mumps-rubella vaccination rate for kindergartners fell to 92.5%, down slightly from last year’s 93%. The current level is lower than the pre-pandemic average of 95%.
The trend raises concerns among public health officials, who warn that further declines in vaccination rates could lead to more measles cases. Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, said that parents may be more likely to get their children vaccinated if there are outbreaks.
However, another expert is less optimistic. Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County’s health director, criticized the state’s new law allowing easier exemptions for school vaccines, saying it’s “crazy” and may contribute to declining vaccination rates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the data quietly, with a statement that emphasized personal choice over community protection. Public health officials stress the importance of vaccinations in protecting children from serious diseases like measles and whooping cough.
The decline in kindergarten vaccination rates is attributed to factors such as online misinformation, political divide, and policies making it easier for parents to obtain exemptions. Despite this, the vast majority of parents continue to get their kids vaccinated, with a gap between vaccinated and exempted children suggesting unmet access issues.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/vaccination-rates-cdc-kindergarten-0d261546a130dc256735d7b1ff8c6a5f