Childhood Vaccine Exemptions Hit Record High as Measles Cases Surge Across U.S.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a troubling trend in childhood vaccination rates, as exemptions for vaccines have reached an all-time high. During the 2025–26 school year, 4.2% of U.S. kindergartners received exemptions for at least one required vaccine, up from 3.6% the previous year. This rise in exemptions coincides with a significant increase in measles cases, which have hit a 35-year high across the nation.

According to the CDC, coverage for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine among kindergartners dropped slightly to 92.4%, below the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity. Additionally, coverage for the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine fell to 92.0%. This decline means approximately 280,000 kindergartners are attending school without documented completion of the MMR series.

The CDC’s report comes shortly after an executive order from President Trump proposing to separate the MMR vaccine into three individual shots. The administration aims to revise federal vaccine policies to enhance parental choice, including the promotion of medical and religious exemptions. While states retain authority over school vaccination requirements, there are indications that compliance with new federal guidelines may be tied to federal funding.

Experts have expressed concern that declining vaccination rates are linked to the resurgence of measles. The CDC confirmed 2,566 cases of measles in the U.S. as of mid-August, with more than 94% of these cases associated with outbreaks largely affecting children aged 19 and younger.

Dr. Graham Tse, a pediatrician and chief medical officer at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of vaccinations in preventing serious illnesses. He noted that illnesses like measles can lead to severe complications, especially among vulnerable populations such as infants and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccinations, backed by extensive research, have proven effective in reducing the severity of these diseases.

The CDC’s SchoolVaxView data highlights significant regional variations in vaccination rates, indicating that while a community may have a high overall vaccination rate, localized clusters of unvaccinated children can facilitate disease spread. This was evident in recent measles outbreaks, which have been traced back to specific communities with lower vaccination coverage.

The report indicates that nonmedical exemptions, often based on religious or philosophical beliefs, are on the rise. Exemptions increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia, with 24 states reporting rates exceeding 5%. While medical exemptions are justified when a vaccine poses a health risk, the increase in nonmedical exemptions raises alarms about the potential for larger outbreaks.

With school starting soon, health officials stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect against preventable diseases. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years, as two doses provide about 97% effectiveness against measles.

As the nation grapples with rising vaccine exemptions and measles cases, it remains crucial for parents to consult with pediatricians about their children’s vaccination status. The safety and efficacy of vaccines play a vital role in safeguarding public health, and ensuring adequate vaccination coverage is key to preventing outbreaks of these serious illnesses.