# US Becomes Increasingly Susceptible to Outbreaks as Vaccination Rates Diminish to 92 Percent
The United States is confronting an escalating public health issue as the immunization rates among kindergartners persist in their downward trend, rendering the nation more susceptible to outbreaks of preventable illnesses. Recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that vaccination levels for essential childhood immunizations have fallen to about 92 percent for the 2023–2024 academic year, down from 93 percent the year prior, and 95 percent in 2019–2020. This reduction is troubling, as it distances the country from the 95 percent vaccination benchmark necessary to sustain herd immunity and curb the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, whooping cough, and polio.
## The Escalating Risk of Vaccine-Preventable Illnesses
Diseases such as measles, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, and tetanus, which were largely under control or eradicated in the US, are now poised for a potential comeback. Vaccines for these illnesses have demonstrated safety and efficacy over the years, yet an increasing number of parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children, citing personal or philosophical beliefs instead of medical reasons.
The CDC’s review revealed that vaccination exemptions have surged to a record high of 3.3 percent, an increase from 3 percent in the last academic year. Alarmingly, merely 0.2 percent of these exemptions are medically warranted, indicating that the overwhelming majority are predicated on personal convictions rather than healthcare needs. This trend is alarming, as it jeopardizes the collective immunity that shields communities from outbreaks.
## Decreasing Vaccination Rates: A Nationwide Issue
The CDC’s findings underscore that vaccination rates for four essential immunizations—MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), VAR (chickenpox), and polio—have diminished across the nation. Specifically:
– **MMR coverage** has decreased to 92.7 percent, leaving approximately 280,000 kindergartners vulnerable to measles, mumps, or rubella.
– **DTaP coverage** has contracted to 92.3 percent, increasing the risk of whooping cough, a highly transmissible respiratory illness.
– **Polio vaccination** rates have plummeted to 92.6 percent, heightening fears about the resurgence of a disease capable of causing paralysis and potentially fatal outcomes.
– **VAR coverage** for chickenpox has fallen to 92.4 percent.
These declines, although seemingly minor, are crucial as they signify a rising number of children who are unprotected and at risk of these diseases. Herd immunity, which safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated (like infants or individuals with weakened immune systems), demands a vaccination rate of at least 95 percent for the majority of illnesses. Dropping below this level amplifies the risk of outbreaks, especially in areas with lower vaccination coverage.
## Increase in Exemptions
The uptick in vaccination exemptions is a significant contributor to the overall fall in vaccination rates. CDC’s findings indicate that 41 states and the District of Columbia experienced a rise in the number of kindergartners with one or more vaccine exemptions. Fourteen states now report exemption rates exceeding 5 percent, suggesting that even if all non-exempt children were vaccinated, these states would still not meet the 95 percent standard required for herd immunity.
This presents a stark contrast to the 2020–2021 academic year, during which only two states had exemption rates that jeopardized their ability to reach the 95 percent threshold. The increase in exemptions is predominantly due to non-medical reasons, with parents citing religious or philosophical opposition to vaccines. This trend is especially worrisome in states such as Idaho, where vaccination rates for critical vaccines linger around 80 percent, and the exemption rate stands at an alarming 14.3 percent.
## At-Risk Communities and Outbreak Threats
While the national vaccination rate hovers around 92 percent, it’s vital to acknowledge that vaccination levels can vary dramatically by state, city, and even neighborhood. Areas with clusters of low vaccination rates are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses. When substantial numbers of unvaccinated groups congregate, it becomes easier for infectious diseases to spread.
In recent years, the US has already witnessed surges in outbreaks of diseases like measles and whooping cough. For instance, in 2019, the US recorded the largest measles outbreak in over 25 years, with upwards of 1,200 cases documented. Many of these incidents were associated with communities exhibiting low vaccination rates. As vaccination levels continue to wane, the danger of comparable outbreaks escalates.
## Reasons Behind the Declining Vaccination Rates?
The CDC’s examination did not delve into the specifics of the reasons underpinning the declining vaccination rates, but experts hypothesize that various elements might be influencing this trend. One possibility
