Updated: Aug 28, 2026
Based on reporting by Healthline. Research, structure, and fact-checking by Groundwork.
Vaccine exemptions have risen to a record high, and measles cases have surged to a 35-year high. Understanding the risks and benefits of vaccines, supporting
Based on reporting by Healthline. Research, structure, and fact-checking by Groundwork.
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“Graham Tse, MD, pediatrician and chief medical officer of MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA, emphasizes the importance of vaccination: 'Many of the highest at risk are our children and infants. These are diseases that can cause serious illness, permanent disability, and death. Vaccinations have decades of research and are proven to prevent or reduce the severity of these illnesses and have been proven to be very safe.'”
Vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has declined, falling from 92.5% in 2024–25 to 92.4% from 2025–26, well below the 95% associated with herd immunity against infectious diseases like measles.
Despite concerns about vaccine safety, the overwhelming scientific consensus supports the use of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.
Medical or religious exemptions from one or more school-required vaccines rose from 3.6% to a record 4.2%, with 24 states reporting exemption rates above 5%.
The CDC reported 2,566 confirmed measles cases in the United States as of August 13, marking a 35-year high.
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Maya Okafor (2026). Childhood Vaccine Exemptions Hit Record High as Measles Cases Surge Across U.S.. Groundwork. Retrieved from https://gworky.com/article/vaccine-exemptions-record-high-measles-cases-surge
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Graham Tse, MD, pediatrician and chief medical officer of MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA, emphasizes the importance of vaccination: "Many of the highest at risk are our children and infants. These are diseases that can cause serious illness, permanent disability, and death. Vaccinations have decades of research and are proven to prevent or reduce the severity of these illnesses and have been proven to be very safe."
Herd immunity is essential for protecting vulnerable populations, including children and infants, from infectious diseases.
Low vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, putting vulnerable populations at risk.
Evidence-based vaccination policies are essential for protecting public health and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccine exemptions have risen to a record high, and measles cases have surged to a 35-year high. It is essential to understand the risks and benefits of vaccines, support vaccination policies, and advocate for evidence-based vaccination policies to protect public health and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has declined, falling from 92.5% in 2024–25 to 92.4% from 2025–26, well below the 95% associated with herd immunity against infectious diseases like measles. It is essential to understand the risks and benefits of vaccines, support vaccination policies, and advocate for evidence-based vaccination policies to protect public health and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Graham Tse, MD, pediatrician and chief medical officer of MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA, emphasizes the importance of vaccination: "Many of the highest at risk are our children and infants. These are diseases that can cause serious illness, permanent disability, and death. Vaccinations have decades of research and are proven to prevent or reduce the severity of these illnesses and have been proven to be very safe."
Herd immunity is the protection of a community from infectious diseases when a sufficient percentage of the population is vaccinated. It is essential for protecting vulnerable populations, including children and infants, from contracting and spreading diseases.
The risks of vaccine exemptions include increased disease transmission, vulnerable populations, and economic burden. Unvaccinated individuals, especially children and infants, are at higher risk of contracting and spreading diseases, and outbreaks can result in significant economic costs, including medical expenses and lost productivity.
The consequences of low vaccination rates include increased disease transmission, vulnerable populations, and economic burden. Unvaccinated individuals, especially children and infants, are at higher risk of contracting and spreading diseases, and outbreaks can result in significant economic costs, including medical expenses and lost productivity.
Evidence-based vaccination policies are essential for protecting public health and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. They protect vulnerable populations, including children and infants, from contracting and spreading diseases, contribute to the overall health of a community, and prevent the spread of diseases.
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This guide underwent secondary data verification to confirm primary source integrity, calculation formulas, and regulatory compliance before publication.
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