Vaccine exemptions hit a record last year, the CDC says. Here's what that means for parents.

“Kindergarten vaccine exemption rates in the United States reached an all‑time high last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surge reflects growing parental hesitancy and the increasing use of medical and religious exemptions, which could undermine herd immunity and elevate the risk of outbreaks in schools. Expert Analysis: This record‑high exemption trend signals potential strain on public health resources as communities may face more frequent vaccine‑preventable disease incidents. If the pattern continues, schools and local health departments could see higher costs for outbreak response and mitigation, affecting taxpayers and the broader economy.”