The number of children with vaccination exemptions rose to 4.1%, up from 3.7% last year. This is the third consecutive year that exemption rates have hit a record high. The reason is largely due to parents delaying vaccinations for their children for a variety of reasons.
Only 92.5% of kindergarteners in the 2024-2025 school year received the required measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the vaccination rate was 95%—a level that made it difficult for a single infection to cause a widespread outbreak. However, in 2025, the decline in vaccinations has led to a rise in measles cases, with over 1,300 recorded so far.
Dr. Sean O'Leary, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is concerned that further declines in vaccination rates will lead to even more measles cases. He predicts that outbreaks may prompt more families to vaccinate their children before school starts.
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Vials of MMR vaccine on display in Texas in February. Photo: AP |
Vials of MMR vaccine on display in Texas in February. Photo: AP
Dr. Philip Huang, the health director of Dallas County, Texas, is less optimistic. Texas has been hard hit by this year’s measles outbreak, accounting for more than half of the cases nationwide. The state legislature passed a law making it easier for parents to opt out of school-required vaccinations for their children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quietly posted the data online and sent an email stating that vaccination decisions are personal, and parents should consult with their doctors about the best options for their families. However, the CDC maintains that vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from serious diseases like measles and whooping cough, and to prevent hospitalization or long-term health consequences.
According to O'Leary, this message creates ambiguity about the importance of vaccinations. To address declining vaccination rates, public health officials are focusing on kindergarten vaccinations to prevent schools from becoming breeding grounds or launching pads for community outbreaks.
Chi Le (AP)
