For years, a majority of counties across the United States have been experiencing a decline in the rate of pediatric school-entry vaccinations, according to a recent six-month data investigation by NBC News and infectious disease researchers at Stanford University.
The investigation gathered information from state governments and public-school records from over the years, focusing on measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, and diphtheria vaccinations. It was found that since 2019, 77% of counties in the U.S. have reported declines in vaccination, with some counties noting more than a 20% reduction in vaccination rates.
Sixty-eight percent of counties and jurisdictions now have immunization rates for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine below 95%, which is the level of herd immunity that physicians believe is needed to protect against an outbreak. Not only this, but vaccine exemptions for school children are rising, with more than 50% of counties, with available data, seeing exemption rates more than double since their first year of collecting data to now.
Vaccinations are incredibly important for children to stay strong and healthy. They help to build immunity against potentially deadly diseases and help prevent outbreaks by reducing the spread in a community.
This year, there was a measles outbreak in Texas, with 624 cases noted, out of the total 1,491 cases in the U.S. so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the total cases of measles in the U.S. this year, more than 90% of those cases were those who were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
Additionally, the 2024–2025 flu season in the United States was severe. According to the CDC, 216 children died from flu-related complications, a tragic reminder that the flu is not just a mild illness. Thousands more were hospitalized across the country.
That’s why we strongly encourage all families to get their children vaccinated, as well as get a yearly flu shot. For the flu, if your child has risk factors for complicated influenza, such as asthma, or if they are immunocompromised, it is important to be vaccinated. The flu vaccine is generally considered safe, is widely available, and recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Immunizations are available at pediatric primary care practices. Valley is proud to have a dedicated pediatrics practice, located in Montvale, New Jersey. It’s a simple step that can help keep your child and our community healthy and protected during the year and flu season.
For more information about children’s health at Valley, click here.
About the Author
Dr. Antonio Quiros serves as Chair of Children’s Services for Valley Medical Group.
