US vaccinations fall again as more parents refuse lifesaving shots for kids

Vaccination rates among kindergartners in the United States have declined, falling to approximately 92 percent for the 2023-2024 school year, down from 93 percent the previous year and 95 percent in 2019-2020. This decrease raises concerns about the potential resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and polio. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that vaccination exemptions have reached an all-time high of 3.3 percent, primarily due to non-medical exemptions based on religious or philosophical beliefs. The decline in vaccination rates has been observed across 80 percent of jurisdictions, with significant drops in coverage for key vaccines like MMR, DTaP, polio, and VAR. Some states, such as Idaho, report vaccination rates as low as 80 percent, with exemption rates exceeding 14 percent. The CDC researchers noted that the ongoing decline in vaccination coverage, coupled with increasing exemptions, could lead to clusters of undervaccinated children and subsequent outbreaks. Possible factors contributing to this trend include vaccine hesitancy stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and resistance to vaccine mandates. To address these issues, the CDC suggests implementing school-based vaccination clinics, enforcing vaccination requirements, and encouraging healthcare providers to recommend routine vaccinations.

- US vaccination rates for kindergartners have dropped to 92 percent.

- Vaccination exemptions have increased to 3.3 percent, primarily non-medical.

- 80 percent of jurisdictions reported declines in key vaccine coverage.

- States like Idaho have alarming vaccination rates around 80 percent.

- Experts suggest strategies to improve vaccination rates and prevent outbreaks.