A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that childhood vaccination rates have declined. The drop in immunization coverage among kindergarten-aged children in the 2024–2025 school year is accompanied by an increase in cases of vaccine avoidance. This trend threatens the progress achieved over generations and requires significant attention.
According to the CDC’s annual report, vaccination rates for primary childhood vaccines, including MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis), polio, and chickenpox, have fallen in more than half of the states.
Currently, the immunization rate stands at 92%, falling short of the pre-pandemic mark of 95%. This 95% is the necessary minimum to maintain herd immunity and stop the spread of diseases.
In parallel, more people are refusing vaccination: the rate increased from 3.3% to 3.6%, and exceeded 5% in 17 states. The main reasons driving this increase do not have a scientific basis.
Although the report is based on U.S. data, its message is relevant to all countries worldwide. Distrust in vaccination and decreased coverage threaten global immunization achievements. The control of measles, poliomyelitis, and other deadly diseases is at risk if the international community does not unite. To stop this threat, the following are critically important: strong international cooperation and open communication with the full involvement of all countries.
Source: CDC
