Kindergarten vaccine exemptions rose in 2025-2026: CDC
Summary
The CDC reported that vaccine rates for kindergartners in the U.S. fell during the 2025-2026 school year, with more children exempted from vaccines. This decline took place while President Trump made changes to vaccine policies and as measles cases rose.Key Facts
- Vaccine exemptions in kindergartners rose to 4.2% nationwide, up from 3.6% the previous year.
- Declines in vaccine coverage occurred for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and varicella vaccines.
- About 280,000 kindergartners did not have proof of completing the two-dose MMR vaccine series in 2025-2026.
- Approximately 155,000 kindergartners were exempt from one or more vaccines.
- Twenty-four states reported vaccine exemption rates above 5%.
- MMR vaccine coverage ranged from 98.9% in West Virginia to 75.2% in Idaho.
- President Trump signed an executive order recommending a shorter childhood vaccine schedule and splitting the MMR vaccine into three doses.
- Experts warn that small drops in vaccination rates can significantly reduce community protection against diseases like measles.
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