CDC Reports Record Vaccine Exemptions as Measles Cases Hit 35-Year High
The United States is facing a troubling combination: childhood vaccine exemptions reached a record 4.2% among kindergartners during the 2025–26 school year, while measles cases climbed to the highest level in 35 years.
According to NBC News, about 155,000 kindergartners had at least one vaccine exemption. Most were classified as nonmedical exemptions, including personal or religious reasons. Medical exemptions remained at 0.2%. Routine MMR coverage also fell to 92.4%, below the approximately 95% level public-health experts say is needed to prevent sustained measles transmission.
As of Aug. 17, the CDC had recorded 2,566 measles cases in 2026. NBC News reported that 93% of diagnosed patients were unvaccinated. Georgia has now reported its seventh case of the year, involving an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident with no known travel history or exposure, according to Georgia health officials.
The developments arrive as President Donald Trump’s executive order calls for changes to federal vaccine guidance, including consideration of separating the combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Axios also reported that the White House plans to nominate aide Heidi Overton as FDA commissioner.
For families, the next step is practical: review your child’s immunization record, ask a licensed health professional about any missing doses, and check your school or state health department’s requirements. Anyone with a possible measles exposure or symptoms: including fever, cough, red eyes, and a spreading rash: should call ahead before visiting a clinic.
Protecting a neighborhood means protecting those most vulnerable, including infants and people with weakened immune systems. Start with reliable sources such as the CDC measles data page, listen without shaming, and share verified information. How is your community preparing for the new school year?
