Vaccination exemption rates for US kindergartners reach record high - wesh.com

“Vaccination exemption rates among US kindergartners have climbed to an all‑time high, driven by a mix of religious, philosophical, and medical exemptions that vary widely by state. The surge raises concerns for public‑health officials about potential outbreaks of vaccine‑preventable diseases in schools and broader communities. Expert Analysis: The upward trend underscores growing vaccine hesitancy and could strain local health resources if outbreaks occur, prompting states to reconsider exemption policies. Persistent high exemption rates may also influence parental decision‑making and insurance costs, as insurers may adjust premiums to account for increased risk exposure.”