Alarming Increase in Childhood Vaccine Exemptions Raises Concerns, Health Officials Say

close Video CDC plans to investigate reports of adverse COVID vaccine reactions Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel discusses why the Center for Disease Control is planning to investigate COVID vaccine reactions. Health officials in the United States have reported a concerning rise in the number of kindergartners exempted from school vaccination requirements, reaching an all-time high of 3%. This increase can be attributed to a growing number of parents who are now questioning routine childhood vaccinations, which were previously accepted as standard practice. Experts suggest that this shift in attitude towards vaccines is a result of the political divisions that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the rise in vaccine exemptions, the overall national vaccination rate remains steady, with 93% of kindergartners receiving their required shots for the 2022-2023 school year. This rate is consistent with the previous year and still reflects a decline from the 95% rate observed before the pandemic. It is important to note that the majority of parents continue to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule for their children. While all U.S. states and territories require vaccination against various diseases, such as measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, whooping cough, and chickenpox, exemptions are permitted for children with medical conditions preventing vaccination. Most states also allow religious or nonmedical exemptions. Over the past decade, medical exemptions have remained stable at around 0.2% of kindergartners, while nonmedical exemptions have gradually increased, contributing to the overall exemption rate of 3% last year. The exemption rates vary across the country, with ten states reporting exemption rates exceeding 5%. Idaho holds the highest percentage, with 12% of kindergartners receiving at least one exemption, while New York reports a mere 0.1% exemption rate. These variations can be influenced by state laws, policies, and local attitudes towards vaccination. Ensuring a vaccination coverage of 95% is crucial to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases, such as measles, which are highly contagious. In 2019, the U.S. experienced a significant measles outbreak due to low vaccination rates in certain communities. It is important to dispel misinformation and disinformation surrounding vaccines, as they play a vital role in public health. We encourage all members of our community to make informed decisions based on accurate information from reliable sources when considering vaccination for their children. Protecting the health and well-being of our children and the wider community remains a top priority.