A vaccination that includes a polio dose is prepared for a child at the Dallas County Health and Human Services immunization clinic in Dallas, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
A new analysis found Pennsylvania’s childhood vaccination rates are slipping.For the second year in a row, kindergarten immunizations fell below the 95% target set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Becky Ludwick, vice president of public policy for Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said state data show a steady decline over the past seven years, even before COVID-19. The report highlighted a decline in vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella, otherwise known as MMR vaccines.”In the most recent school year available, we saw that there were almost 8,000 kindergartners who weren’t up-to-date on their MMR vaccine,” Ludwick reported. “That has doubled since the 2017-2018 school year.”

The report noted falling MMR vaccination rates nationwide have left some communities vulnerable to measles outbreaks. Ludwick added other recommended vaccines are also trending downward. Nationally, 93% of kindergartners are covered, and from 2023 to 2024, only 11 states reached the 95% benchmark.

Ludwick pointed out in Pennsylvania, there are a couple different exemptions families can pursue if they choose not to get their children vaccinated. While vaccines are required for kindergartners, she explained Pennsylvania allows medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions.

“A medical exemption, which a physician would have to sign off saying that child or those children, that they are not able to receive the vaccine,” Ludwick outlined. “That’s been pretty steady as far as a small group of kids who have that medical exemption, who cannot be vaccinated.”

She added the religious exemptions have grown the most over the last several years. The report noted exemptions for religious reasons now account for 2.5% of all student exemptions.

Ludwick emphasized Pennsylvania families still have solid health coverage options for kids. Income-eligible families or those who have children with complex needs can get Medicaid, and coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program is available to most kids for free. Families can also use the state marketplace, Pennie, though some federal aid may not be available by the end of the year.

She added vaccines are also offered at no cost through an additional program.

“Pennsylvania Department of Health has a Vaccines for Children program,” Ludwick stressed. “Even if a child is insured, maybe it’s an underinsured family, may have insurance that wouldn’t cover vaccines. They can get free vaccines through this program, whether they’re uninsured or underinsured, families can rely on that as well.”

Ludwick argued the rising number of unvaccinated kids highlights the importance of parents talking with their pediatrician. Conflicting federal guidance has left families confused, so trusted medical professionals are the best source for questions on vaccine safety and policy.