Childhood vaccination rates for the 2024-25 school year fell for the fifth year in a row

Multiple authoritative sources confirm that childhood vaccination rates have been falling steadily over recent years, with the 2024-25 school year marking the fifth consecutive year of decline. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show decreases across all reported vaccines, including key immunizations such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and polio. This trend has raised public health concerns due to increased risks of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.

Additionally, vaccine exemption rates have reached record highs, largely driven by nonmedical exemptions, which further contribute to lower overall vaccination coverage. The decline began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted despite ongoing public health efforts to improve vaccination uptake. These findings are consistent across multiple reputable news outlets and public health organizations as of mid-2025.