Kindergarten vaccine exemptions rose in 2025-2026: CDC

The vaccination rates among American kindergartners saw a noticeable decline in the 2025-2026 school year, according to the CDC. This drop, which affected all tracked vaccines, was accompanied by a rise in exemptions across 41 states and the District of Columbia, reaching 4.2% from the previous year's 3.6%. This shift is concerning given the Trump administration's controversial vaccine policy changes and the recent resurgence of measles cases, indicating a potential public health risk. The trend underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining high vaccination coverage and the importance of public health initiatives.