Vaccine exemption levels for kindergarteners are low for most states and infant vaccination rates are high nationally, according to data from two reports published in this week’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
The first report looked at vaccination coverage and exemption levels among children entering kindergarten for the 2014-2015 school year. Nationally, exemption levels remain low with a median level of 1.7 percent. However, state exemption levels ranged from a low of less than 0.1 percent in Mississippi to a high of 6.5 percent in Idaho. Additionally, five states did not meet the reporting standards for providing exemption data.
The second report examined vaccination rates among children ages 19 months through 35 months for 2014. Vaccination coverage remained high: over 90 percent for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR); polio; hepatitis B; and varicella vaccines. The percentage of children who do not receive vaccinations also remained low, at less than 1 percent.
“Collaborative efforts are the reason our nation has been able to achieve such high coverage nationally, but much work is still needed to shield our schools and communities from future outbreaks,” says Anne Schuchat, MD (RADM, USPHS), director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
One important change from 2013 to 2014 was the number of states that provided local coverage and exemption data online. There was an increase from 18 states providing such data in 2013 to 21 states providing these data in 2014. Making this information available publicly keeps parents informed, guides vaccination policies, and strengthens immunization programs.
When a disease like measles reaches a community with large numbers of unvaccinated people, it can spread very quickly. Therefore, local pockets of people who are missing vaccinations can leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
Consistent, high coverage rates are needed to provide community immunity (herd immunity) and protect children from disease outbreaks like measles.
The CDC recommends that all children be vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. Parents with questions or concerns should talk with their child’s doctor or visit CDC’s vaccine website for parents at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.
Today's articles will be available on the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report website at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr
For more information on the National Immunization Survey (NIS), visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/nis/index.html
CDC’s vaccine website for parents:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents
Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/conversations
Measles
www.cdc.gov/measles
“Ongoing Assault”: How HHS Layoffs Have Eviscerated Infection Prevention Support Across the Nation
April 1st 2025Mass layoffs at HHS and CDC have gutted critical infection prevention programs, leaving frontline professionals overwhelmed, under-resourced, and desperate to safeguard public health.
Together We Rise: Why AORN Expo 2025 Is a Must for Every Perioperative Nurse
March 31st 2025From April 5 to 8, 2025, thousands of perioperative nurses will gather in Boston for the 2025 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo—a transformational experience designed to elevate nursing practice, build lifelong connections, and advance surgical care.
Vet IP Roundtable 2: Infection Control and Biosecurity Challenges in Veterinary Care
March 31st 2025Veterinary IPs highlight critical gaps in cleaning protocols, training, and biosecurity, stressing the urgent need for standardized, animal-specific infection prevention practices across diverse care settings.