Vaccination coverage among kindergartners fell during the latest school year, with exemption rates reaching a record high, according to CDC data published July 31.
Four notes:
1. Vaccination coverage among kindergartners decreased for all reported vaccines during the 2024-25 school year, the CDC found. Uptake of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, fell to 92.5%, while uptake of the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, or DTaP, shot fell to 92.1%. A full breakdown of uptake trends across routine childhood vaccines can be found here.
2. Vaccine exemptions also reached a record high. The percentage of children entering kindergarten with an exemption in 2024-25 was 3.6%, up from 3.3% the previous year. This is the highest level recorded since the CDC began tracking the measure, continuing an upward trend that began in the 2020-21 school year. Most exemptions were for nonmedical reasons.
3. The CDC report comes as the U.S. faces its worst measles outbreak since 2000, when the disease was declared eliminated. As of July 29, there have been 1,133 confirmed cases nationwide, with most occurring in children and teens. The CDC said 92% of cases were in unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unknown.
4. In a policy update issued July 28, the American Academy of Pediatrics urged lawmakers to eliminate nonmedical exemptions for routine childhood vaccines, citing medical, public health and ethical concerns. The group said rising exemption rates, inconsistent state laws and clusters of unvaccinated children are undermining herd immunity and increasing outbreak risks. Community protection is generally achieved when at least 95% of individuals are vaccinated, the AAP noted.
“At this moment when preventable diseases are on the rise, we need clear, effective communication from government leaders recommending immunizations as the best way to ensure children’s immune systems are prepared to fight dangerous diseases,” the organization said in a statement regarding the latest CDC data. “By making sure all children can access immunizations before entering school with their classmates, children are best able to stay healthy to play, learn, and grow.
