News Summary
A troubling trend in kindergarten measles vaccination rates has emerged across the United States, with over two-thirds of counties failing to achieve herd immunity. An analysis by NBC News and Stanford University reveals that 77% of these counties have seen a decline in immunization rates since 2019. In California, despite higher vaccination mandates, some counties report rates falling below the critical threshold. Experts warn that this decline can lead to increased risks of measles and other infectious diseases, calling for renewed public health initiatives to combat vaccine hesitancy.
San Diego, California – A troubling trend has emerged regarding kindergarten measles vaccination rates across the United States, with more than two-thirds of American counties reporting that they no longer achieve herd immunity against the disease. The findings were released by an analysis conducted by the NBC News Health & Medical Unit in collaboration with Stanford University, revealing that 77% of these counties have experienced a decline in immunization rates since 2019.
Research shows that herd immunity for measles requires a vaccination rate of approximately 95%. Based on the report, it is concerning that 68% of U.S. counties tracking measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates do not meet this standard. This decline is particularly alarming as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,431 measles cases, 35 outbreaks, and 3 deaths nationwide in 2025, indicating a pressing need for immediate attention.
In California, where stringent state laws mandate vaccination for public and private school attendance, the statistics still show a decline. Although the state has been effective in maintaining relatively high vaccination rates, there was a slight drop from 96.5% to 96.2% between the previous year and 2023. Notably, 16 counties within California have vaccination rates falling below the herd immunity threshold, with Sutter County recording the lowest at just 75.8%.
In the San Diego area, reports indicate that the percentage of kindergartners fully vaccinated against measles stood at 94.8% for the 2023-24 school year. However, 46 schools in this region had kindergarten vaccination rates below 95%. The decline in vaccination rates has raised alarms among health officials, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is believed to have contributed to increasing vaccine hesitancy.
The CDC’s data reflects a broader national issue, as only 92.5% of kindergarten students were vaccinated for measles last school year, a significant decrease from 95.2% in 2020. This decreasing trend is further exemplified by the rising vaccination exemptions across the nation; 53% of American counties have reported a doubling of exemptions in recent years. California had previously banned personal-belief exemptions in 2016, which initially led to a decrease in exemption rates, although the impact of vaccine hesitancy has resurfaced since then, with medical exemptions in San Diego County remaining at merely 0.1% in 2023.
Health experts are cautioning that the current trajectory of declining vaccination rates contributes to heightened vulnerabilities not only to measles but also to other infectious diseases, including whooping cough. The surge in misinformation and growing mistrust of healthcare systems, particularly following the pandemic, have increasingly influenced parental decisions regarding vaccinations.
Pockets of vaccine hesitancy are now prevalent even in areas where vaccinations were traditionally well-accepted. This decline in trust correlates with the recent increase in childhood diseases and outbreaks in various states. Experts emphasize that maintaining high vaccination rates is critical for public health safety.
The California Department of Public Health continues to advocate for vaccination as a necessary step in preventing outbreaks, and health officials across the country urge parents to prioritize immunization to protect their children and the broader community. Vaccination, particularly for measles, remains a vital public health measure, underscoring the urgent need for renewed efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and improve immunization rates in the coming years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
First Measles Case Confirmed in San Diego County
Measles Outbreak Knocks on Texas and New Mexico’s Door
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: California School Vaccines and Measles Immunity
- Wikipedia: Vaccination
- ABC7: Childhood Vaccination Rates Dropping in CA
- Google Search: California Measles Vaccination Rates
- Sacramento Bee: California Vaccination News
- Google Scholar: California School Vaccination Rates
- Times of San Diego: Measles Comeback in California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
