US childhood vaccination rates hit historic low
New CDC data reveals a significant drop in vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners, falling below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. The decline, linked to pandemic disruptions, has raised alarms among pediatricians about potential outbreaks of preventable diseases. Experts urge renewed efforts to boost immunization rates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data showing that vaccination rates for the 2021-2022 school year among kindergarteners reached their lowest point in nearly three decades. Specifically, coverage for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine stood at 93.3%, down from 95.2% the previous year and the highest rates of over 95% seen in the late 2010s. Similarly, rates for the DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) were at 93.3%, a decrease of 1.9 percentage points.
This marks the first time since the 1990s that MMR coverage has dipped below 94%, according to the CDC's annual kindergarten vaccination assessment, which surveyed 49 states and Washington, D.C., covering about 40% of the nation's kindergarten population. The report attributes the decline primarily to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including school closures, telemedicine shifts, and increased vaccine hesitancy. Non-medical exemptions also rose to 3.1%, the highest on record, with 18 states reporting MMR coverage under 95%—a critical threshold for preventing outbreaks.
"The continued decline in vaccination coverage is concerning, especially as we see measles cases rising globally," said Sean O'Leary, MD, MPH, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Infectious Diseases. He emphasized in the MedPage Today report that while the US has strong vaccine infrastructure, the pandemic eroded trust and access in some communities.
Background context highlights the vulnerability: Before the pandemic, US vaccination rates had stabilized after earlier dips due to misinformation. The 2019 measles outbreak, with over 1,200 cases, underscored the risks of falling below herd immunity levels. Current implications include heightened outbreak potential; for instance, the CDC noted provisional 2023 data showing 58 measles cases across 21 jurisdictions, many linked to unvaccinated individuals.
Pediatric organizations are responding with calls for action. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates for school-entry requirements and public education campaigns. State-level variations show some areas faring better—Rhode Island achieved 96.7% MMR coverage—while others like Colorado lagged at 86.6%. The CDC plans to monitor trends closely and support local health departments in addressing barriers like transportation and misinformation.
Overall, the data paints a picture of a public health system under strain, with experts warning that without intervention, diseases like measles could see a resurgence. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention tool, and renewed focus on routine immunizations is essential for child health.