CDC Reports Kindergarten MMR Coverage Falls Below Herd Immunity Threshold at 92.4%
CDC data for the 2025-26 school year shows kindergarten vaccination coverage for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) dropped to 92.4%, down from 92.5% the prior year and below the 95% herd immunity threshold recommended by public health officials. Exemption rates reached a record 4.2%. The decline in vaccination rates raises public health concerns about potential disease outbreaks and may affect Medicaid EPSDT compliance, as childhood immunizations are a required preventive service under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment benefits for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.
Lower vaccination rates increase disease outbreak risk and may affect Medicaid managed care plans' HEDIS measures for childhood immunization status, EPSDT compliance, and quality bonus payments tied to immunization performance.
Maternal · CHIP · Managed Care
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