AAP President Issues Statement on CDC Report on Kindergarten Vaccination Rates

By Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics 

The data released Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows fewer kindergarteners were fully immunized against diseases including polio, measles, diphtheria, and pertussis during the 2024-25 school year. The good news is the vast majority of parents vaccinate their children. As pediatricians, we know that immunizing children helps them stay healthy, and when everyone can be immunized, it’s harder for diseases to spread in our communities. At this moment when preventable diseases are on the rise, we need clear, effective communication from government leaders recommending immunizations as the best way to ensure children’s immune systems are prepared to fight dangerous diseases. By making sure all children can access immunizations before entering school with their classmates, children are best able to stay healthy to play, learn, and grow.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.