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Kindergarten vaccine exemptions increase in NH
WMUR • • health
Key Points:
- Kindergarten vaccination rates have declined nationwide, with an increase in vaccine exemptions reported by the CDC for the 2025-26 school year, rising from 3.6% to 4.2%, affecting approximately 155,000 children.
- In New Hampshire, vaccine exemptions among kindergarten students increased to 5.4%, up 1.3 percentage points from the previous year, indicating a growing trend of parental hesitancy.
- Health providers attribute the decline partly to parents' concerns and confusion about vaccine ingredients and safety, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for accurate information.
- Dr. Karen Morgan from Merrimack Pediatrics encourages families to discuss vaccine risks and benefits with their providers to make informed decisions that protect children from serious diseases.
- Children who miss vaccinations before the school year can still receive them at any time to ensure ongoing protection.
