Framing Analysis
Federal data show the national kindergarten vaccine exemption rate rose to 4.2 percent in the 2025-26 school year from 3.6 percent the prior year, with an estimated 155,000 children exempted and MMR coverage at 92.4 percent. The increase occurred in 41 states and the District of Columbia and marks the fourth consecutive annual record. The vast majority of exemptions were for nonmedical reasons.