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Vaccine coverage for kindergartners remains high; exemptions stay low
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Nationwide vaccination coverage of children entering kindergarten in the 2014-2015 school year remained high, while exemption rates for medical, philosophical and religious reasons remained low for most states, according to a report in MMWR.
“For our nation’s immunization system, today is report card day, even before many schools even open,” Anne Schuchat, MD, assistant surgeon general, said at a news conference. “Overall, the news is gratifying. Though they may not always get the headlines, the overwhelming majority of parents continue to protect their children with recommended vaccinations.”
Anne Schuchat, MD,
CDC researchers analyzed data collected by immunization programs for kindergartners from 49 states, excluding Hawaii, and the District of Columbia. Vaccination coverage data was collected for more than 4.1 million children, while exemption data was drawn from more than 3.8 million children entering kindergarten in 2014.
Median vaccination coverage rates were reported at 94% for two-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, 94.2% for DTaP and 93.6% for two-dose varicella vaccine. Although MMR rates were lower than they were for the 2013-2014 school year, Schuchat said the difference was not statistically significant.
Exemptions for medical, philosophical and religious reason were low, with an overall median rate of 1.7%. The researchers said these rates remain a concern, however, due to the disparity based on geographic location. The rates ranged from less than 0.1% in Mississippi, a state with that prohibits nonmedical exemptions, to 6.5% in Idaho.
“Collaborative efforts are the reason our nation has been able to achieve such high coverage nationally, but much work is still needed to shield our schools and communities from future outbreaks,” Schuchat said in a press release.
CDC officials emphasized the growing significance of school districts and local communities making immunization data available online. Results showed that 21 states provided local-level coverage and exemption data online during the 2014-2015 school year, compared with 18 states during the preceding year.
“I really want to applaud and recognize the states that are routinely making this information available to parents and families in their own jurisdictions.” Schuchat said during the news conference. “I’d like to encourage parents who live in these states to find what the exemption levels or coverage levels are in their area.”
The researchers suggested the need for more comprehensive assessments of vaccination and exemption data at the local level, while urging parents to vaccinate their children before returning to school. In doing so, they said, it will ensure that the entire community gains protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“With back-to-school season here, the latest reports are a reminder to make sure that all children are vaccinated against serious diseases.” Schuchat said. “So, I urge parents to give their children the best protection for vaccine-preventable diseases, by talking with their clinicians to see if any vaccines are needed for their child.” – by David Costill
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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