Table of Contents
- What Is Childhood Vaccination?
- U.S. Childhood Vaccination Rates Decline in 2025–2026
- Latest Childhood Vaccination Rates in the U.S.
- Why Are Childhood Vaccination Rates Declining?
- Vaccine Exemptions Reach a Record High
- Why the Decline in MMR Vaccination Is Concerning
- What Diseases Do Childhood Vaccines Prevent?
- How Childhood Vaccination Protects Communities
- The Role of Parents, Schools, and Healthcare Providers
- What Parents Should Know About the Childhood Immunization Schedule
- What Could Happen If Vaccination Rates Continue to Fall?
- How the U.S. Can Improve Childhood Immunization Rates
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is Childhood Vaccination?
Childhood vaccination is the process of giving children vaccines at recommended ages to help their immune systems develop protection against serious infectious diseases before they are exposed to them. Vaccines train the immune system to recognize specific germs and respond more effectively if the child later encounters the infection. Routine childhood immunization has helped prevent millions of illnesses, hospitalizations, and premature deaths in the United States. A CDC analysis estimated that routine childhood vaccination among children born from 1994 through 2023 prevented about 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1.13 million premature deaths.
Childhood immunization can include vaccines that protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, chickenpox, hepatitis B, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The latest U.S. data, however, shows a concerning trend: vaccination coverage among children entering kindergarten declined again during the 2025–2026 school year, while vaccine exemptions reached a record high.
U.S. Childhood Vaccination Rates Decline in 2025–2026
New federal data shows that vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergarten students fell slightly during the 2025–2026 school year.
The decline was reported across the major vaccines tracked in the CDC’s school vaccination data. Coverage ranged from 92.0% for DTaP to 92.4% for MMR and polio vaccines.
Although the national decline was only about 0.1 percentage point, public health experts say small changes can matter when vaccination coverage is already below the level needed to provide strong community protection against highly contagious diseases such as measles.
The latest figures also continue a longer downward trend that has developed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Latest U.S. Kindergarten Vaccination Rates
| Vaccine | 2025–2026 National Coverage |
|---|---|
| DTaP | 92.0% |
| MMR | 92.4% |
| Polio | 92.4% |
| Varicella | Approximately 92% |
| At least one vaccine exemption | 4.2% |
The CDC data shows that vaccination coverage declined for the major vaccines tracked nationally, while exemptions increased.
Why Are Childhood Vaccination Rates Declining?
There is no single reason behind the decline in childhood immunization coverage.
Experts have pointed to several factors, including disruption to routine healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, difficulties accessing healthcare, changes in parental attitudes, misinformation, declining confidence in public-health institutions, and changes or uncertainty surrounding vaccine policies.
The current decline is also occurring during a period of renewed debate over federal childhood vaccine recommendations.
In August 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it was seeking public input on federal vaccine guidelines following an executive order concerning childhood immunization requirements and recommendations.
These policy discussions can create confusion for parents who are trying to understand which vaccines their children need and when they should receive them.
However, parents should distinguish between policy discussions and medical advice for an individual child. A child’s vaccination decisions should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional who can consider the child’s age, medical history, previous doses, allergies, travel plans, and other relevant circumstances.
Vaccine Exemptions Reach a Record High
One of the most significant findings in the latest data is the increase in school vaccine exemptions.
During the 2025–2026 school year, 4.2% of U.S. kindergarten students had an exemption from at least one required vaccination, compared with 3.6% the previous year. That represents approximately 155,000 children nationwide.
Exemption rates increased in 41 states and Washington, D.C., while 24 states reported exemption rates above 5%.
Most of the increase involved nonmedical exemptions, rather than exemptions based on medical conditions.
This matters because when vaccination coverage falls, clusters of unvaccinated or undervaccinated children can make it easier for contagious diseases to spread.
Why the Decline in MMR Vaccination Is Concerning
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Measles is particularly concerning because it is extremely contagious. CDC educational material notes that approximately nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles can become infected.
The U.S. generally needs very high measles vaccination coverage to limit sustained transmission. Public health experts commonly use approximately 95% coverage as an important benchmark for community protection.
The latest kindergarten MMR coverage of 92.4% is below that level.
That does not mean every community with 92.4% coverage will experience an outbreak. Vaccination rates differ substantially between states and communities, and outbreaks depend on many factors.
But lower national coverage means there are more susceptible children available for an infectious disease to reach.
What Diseases Do Childhood Vaccines Prevent?
Routine childhood immunization protects children against a range of potentially serious infections.
Depending on the child’s age and vaccination history, recommended immunizations can protect against diseases including:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Polio
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis, also called whooping cough
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Pneumococcal disease
- Rotavirus
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal disease
- Human papillomavirus
- Influenza
The specific vaccines and timing depend on the child’s age and circumstances. Vaccination schedules can also change as medical recommendations are updated.
The CDC’s published childhood immunization schedules are designed to provide protection at ages when children are most likely to benefit from vaccination.
How Childhood Vaccination Protects Communities
Vaccination does more than protect the individual child.
When a large proportion of people in a community are immune to an infectious disease, the pathogen has fewer opportunities to spread. This is often described as community immunity or herd immunity.
This protection can be particularly important for people who cannot receive certain vaccines for medical reasons or who may not develop adequate immunity despite vaccination.
Measles provides a clear example. CDC materials state that maintaining vaccination coverage above 95% helps protect communities from measles outbreaks.
When coverage falls, protection becomes weaker.
The risk is not necessarily uniform across the entire country. A community can have a higher vaccination rate nationally but still experience an outbreak if an infectious disease reaches a concentrated group of susceptible people.
The Role of Parents, Schools, and Healthcare Providers
Improving childhood vaccination rates requires cooperation among families, healthcare professionals, schools, and public health agencies.
Parents
Parents can keep vaccination records up to date, discuss questions with healthcare providers, and make sure their children receive recommended vaccines at the appropriate ages.
Pediatricians and Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals can help parents understand vaccine benefits, potential side effects, contraindications, catch-up vaccination, and the consequences of delayed immunization.
Schools
Schools play an important role in maintaining vaccination records and communicating immunization requirements to families.
Public Health Agencies
Public health departments monitor vaccination coverage, investigate outbreaks, provide educational resources, and work with healthcare providers to increase access to vaccines.
What Parents Should Know About the Childhood Immunization Schedule
The childhood immunization schedule is designed around age-specific protection.
Some vaccines require multiple doses because protection develops through a series of vaccinations. Other vaccines may require booster doses later in childhood or adolescence.
Parents should not assume that a missed vaccine means their child has to start the entire series again. Healthcare professionals can determine whether a child needs a catch-up vaccination schedule.
The appropriate schedule can depend on:
- Child’s age
- Previous vaccine doses
- Medical history
- Previous allergic reactions
- Underlying health conditions
- Travel plans
- Previous infections
- Current public-health recommendations
The CDC has historically emphasized that delaying recommended vaccines can leave children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
What Could Happen If Vaccination Rates Continue to Fall?
If childhood vaccination coverage continues to decline, the United States could face greater risks from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Potential consequences include:
More Disease Outbreaks
Lower vaccination coverage can make it easier for diseases such as measles and pertussis to spread.
More School Disruptions
Outbreaks can lead to increased absenteeism, testing, public-health investigations, and temporary exclusion of susceptible students in some circumstances.
Greater Risk for Vulnerable People
Infants who are too young for certain vaccines and people with specific medical conditions may face additional risks when contagious diseases circulate.
Increased Healthcare Costs
Preventable infections can lead to doctor visits, emergency care, hospitalization, and other healthcare expenses.
Loss of Disease Control
Vaccination programs have played a major role in reducing diseases that once caused substantial illness and death in the United States.
CDC estimates show the enormous long-term health and economic benefits produced by routine childhood immunization.
How the U.S. Can Improve Childhood Immunization Rates
Reversing the decline will likely require several approaches rather than one solution.
Improve Vaccine Access
Some families face barriers such as cost, transportation, limited healthcare availability, or difficulty getting appointments.
Programs that improve access can help children receive vaccines on time.
Strengthen Vaccine Education
Parents need clear, understandable information about vaccine effectiveness, safety, side effects, schedules, and exemptions.
Address Vaccine Misinformation
Confusing or inaccurate information online can make it difficult for parents to distinguish evidence-based medical information from unsupported claims.
Encourage Catch-Up Vaccination
Children who have missed recommended doses can speak with their healthcare providers about catch-up vaccination.
Build Trust
Clear communication from pediatricians, schools, health departments, and government agencies can help families make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is childhood vaccination?
Childhood vaccination is the administration of recommended vaccines to children to help protect them from serious infectious diseases.
Are U.S. childhood vaccination rates declining?
Yes. CDC data shows that vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergarteners declined slightly during the 2025–2026 school year, continuing a downward trend.
What is the current U.S. MMR vaccination rate for kindergarteners?
The latest national coverage rate reported for MMR among kindergarteners is 92.4% for the 2025–2026 school year.
Why is the MMR vaccination rate important?
MMR vaccination is important because measles is highly contagious, and high vaccination coverage helps reduce the risk of outbreaks.
How many U.S. kindergarteners had vaccine exemptions?
About 4.2% of kindergarteners had an exemption from at least one vaccination during the 2025–2026 school year, representing approximately 155,000 children.
What is herd immunity?
Herd immunity, also called community immunity, occurs when enough people in a population are immune to an infectious disease that its spread is significantly reduced.
Can children catch up on missed vaccines?
Yes. Children who have missed recommended doses may be able to follow a catch-up vaccination schedule. Parents should ask their child’s healthcare provider to determine which doses are needed.
Are childhood vaccines safe?
Vaccines undergo testing and monitoring for safety, and healthcare professionals can explain the expected benefits, risks, and contraindications for a specific child. CDC materials state that vaccines are tested during the licensing process for safety and effectiveness.
What should parents do if they are unsure whether their child is vaccinated?
Parents should review the child’s vaccination records and contact their pediatrician, family doctor, or local health department to determine whether any recommended doses are missing.
Does a small decline in vaccination really matter?
Yes. Even a small decline can matter when vaccination coverage is already below the level needed to provide strong community protection against highly contagious diseases such as measles.
The latest U.S. childhood vaccination data provides an important warning about declining immunization coverage.
During the 2025–2026 school year, vaccination coverage among kindergarteners declined for several major childhood vaccines, while exemptions reached a record 4.2%. MMR and polio coverage stood at 92.4%, while DTaP coverage was 92.0%.
The numbers may appear to represent only a small year-to-year change, but vaccination coverage matters because contagious diseases can spread quickly when enough susceptible people are present.
For families, the most practical step is to keep children’s vaccination records updated and discuss questions about immunization schedules, missed doses, vaccine safety, and medical exemptions with qualified healthcare professionals.
As the United States enters another school year, maintaining strong childhood immunization coverage will remain an important part of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and protecting children and communities.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational and news-information purposes. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Parents and caregivers should speak with a qualified healthcare professional about vaccination decisions for an individual child.