U.S. Kindergarten Vaccination Rates Decline as Exemptions Increase
The vaccination rates for U.S. kindergarteners continue to decline, according to recent federal data. For the 2025-2026 school year, the percentage of children exempted from vaccine requirements increased to 4.2%, up from the previous year’s 3.6%. This equates to an estimated 155,000 children across the nation. This marks the fourth straight year of record-high exemption rates, with most exemptions being for nonmedical reasons. These increases occurred in 41 states and the District of Columbia.
Experts highlight confusion from federal health authorities as a significant factor. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his antivaccine stance, has influenced federal health agencies since his appointment by former President Donald Trump. The past 18 months have seen attempts to revise childhood vaccination guidance. Trump recently proposed changes to how childhood vaccines are administered, promoting his theory of spaced-out vaccine visits.
Dr. James Campbell from the American Academy of Pediatrics stated, “The root cause of this is primarily because there’s so much chaos and confusion in vaccination recommendation systems in the last year or so.”
Changes in Vaccination Rates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 92.4% of kindergarteners received the required measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shots, a slight drop from the previous year. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination rate was 95%, necessary to prevent outbreaks.
Other vaccination rates have also decreased, impacting vaccines for polio, the combination shot for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, and the first dose for chickenpox. The rate for hepatitis B vaccination remains stable, as it is administered shortly after birth. Dr. Campbell noted that recent changes in infant hepatitis B guidelines may impact future kindergartners’ vaccination rates.
The U.S. faces its worst measles year since 1991, with over a quarter-million children entering kindergarten vulnerable to the disease, Campbell added. The unvaccinated are not evenly distributed, causing variability in outbreak intensities.
“Back-to-school season is an important reminder that protecting our children’s health is both a shared responsibility and a shared goal,” said North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai.
Encouragement and Data Presentation
The CDC has traditionally emphasized vaccinations’ importance during the back-to-school season. Previously, the vaccination data was published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, but under the Trump administration, it’s posted online with minimal commentary. This year, the CDC issued a brief statement acknowledging a slight decline and advised parents to discuss vaccines with doctors.
Exemption Trends
Public health officials focus on kindergarten vaccination rates due to schools’ potential role in spreading diseases. While medical exemption rates have held steady at 0.2% over the last decade, nonmedical exemption rates have increased. The recent CDC data shows a significant variance between states, with Idaho reporting 17.5% of kindergartners having exemptions, compared to less than 0.5% in Connecticut.
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