In the 2024/25 school year, US kindergarten vaccination rates fell once again, with the exemption rate climbing to a record 4.1%—mostly for nonmedical reasons. This marks the third year in a row that vaccine exemptions have reached new heights, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Meanwhile, measles-mumps-rubella coverage slipped to 92.5%, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Experts say the drop could be due to ongoing access issues, misinformation, and shifting public messaging around vaccines.
Public health officials are sounding the alarm, especially as the country faces its worst measles year in decades.
In today’s polarized world, few topics ignite as much confusion and emotional intensity as the conversation around vaccines.
What are the underlying reasons that people refuse to vaccinate their kids? Click through this gallery to find out.