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States that Once Led in Child Vaccination Fall as They Expand Exemptions
Kindergarten vaccination rates fell below herd immunity in at least 33 states in 2024-25 as exemptions grew, including in formerly top-ranked Mississippi and West Virginia, Stateline found.
- Stateline's analysis shows Mississippi and West Virginia are losing ground in childhood vaccination rankings as exemptions expand in early 2026.
- State laws, executive orders, and court rulings have expanded exemptions, driven by misinformation and policy shifts, as influential leaders influence parental decisions.
- Stateline's computed average shows about 96.3% of kindergartners vaccinated this year, while Florida's rate fell to about 90% and Mississippi granted 617 religious exemptions, about 1.8% of the class.
- Mississippi pediatricians report more pertussis than usual and note last year's whooping cough surge included an infant death, raising risks for school teachers, nurses, infants, and people who cannot be vaccinated.
- On Jan. 26, the Governors' Public Health Alliance endorsed American Academy of Pediatrics standards as Montana made vaccine data private and at least 33 states fell below herd immunity.
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18 Articles
18 Articles
Childhood vaccination rates drop as exemptions expand nationwide
States that were leaders in childhood vaccination before the pandemic are among those losing ground as exemptions and unfounded skepticism take hold, encouraged by the Trump administration’s stance under the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Expanded exemptions for parents are likely to drop both Mississippi and West Virginia from the […] The post Childhood vaccination rates drop as exemptions expand nationwide appea…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left15Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution94% Left
Bias Distribution
- 94% of the sources lean Left
94% Left
L 94%
Factuality
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