Federal Policy
CDC Reports Declining Kindergarten Vaccination Rates for 2025-2026 School Year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data showing decreased vaccination coverage for incoming kindergartners across all vaccines during the 2025-2026 school year, including measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus. The decline in coverage rates coincides with President Trump's executive order directing changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. Lower vaccination rates increase disease outbreak risk among Medicaid-enrolled children, who represent approximately 40% of all children nationally. The data reflects growing vaccine exemption trends that may affect Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) service delivery and preventive care quality measures under managed care contracts.
Why it mattersDeclining vaccination rates directly affect Medicaid managed care plans' HEDIS childhood immunization measures and EPSDT compliance obligations, while increasing potential costs from vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks among enrolled children.
Also covered by:kff.org