Oregon vaccine exemptions for kindergartners at new record
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A record 9.7% of Oregon kindergartners claimed nonmedical exemptions for the 2024-25 school year, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
That represents a nearly 1% increase from 2024’s 8.8% of nonmedical exemptions, the fourth-highest nonmedical exemption in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA, said communities can be weakened by exemptions.
“The increase in nonmedical exemptions weakens community immunity, creating opportunities for outbreaks of serious diseases that vaccines have nearly eradicated,” Cieslak said.
Are vaccination rates down for Oregon kindergartners?
While many families in Oregon continue to vaccinate their children, with 86.3% of kindergartners fully vaccinated with required immunizations for the 2024-2025 school year, that number is down for the third consecutive year, according to data from the Oregon Immunization Program at OHA’s Public Health Division.
OHA officials said declining vaccination rates could raise the risk of vaccine-preventable outbreaks and diseases, especially in areas with lower immunization rates.
“An immunized community is our most effective defense against diseases such as measles,” said Stacy de Assis Matthews, school immunization coordinator at the Oregon Immunization Program. “Robust vaccination coverage not only protects individual children but also safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated due to age, medical conditions, or other vulnerabilities, helping protect our communities in Oregon.”
According to the CDC, 96% of the 1,001 measles cases in the U.S. reported as of May 8 were unvaccinated individuals or had an unknown vaccination status.
What percentage of students in Oregon are vaccinated?
Despite rising nonmedical exemptions and declining vaccination rates, Matthews said the majority of Oregon families continue to get their children vaccinated.
“Parents and guardians recognize the essential role vaccines play in keeping schools and communities free from diseases like measles, polio, and pertussis,” said Matthews. “Every child’s immunization record is checked yearly, helping ensure equitable vaccine access for all Oregon children.”
In 2025, 90.4% of K-12 students in Oregon were fully vaccinated, according to OHA.
What are the 2025 vaccination rates for Marion County kindergartners?
In Marion County, 86.7% of kindergartners completed all required vaccines in 2025.
What are the 2025 vaccination rates for Polk County kindergartners?
In Polk County, 86.9% of kindergartners completed all required vaccines in 2025.
What are the 2025 vaccination rates for Lane County kindergartners?
In Lane County, 88.8% of kindergartners completed all required vaccines in 2025.
How can Oregonians see vaccination rates in preschools and child care programs?
Updated immunization and exemption rates for the 2024-2025 school year are available on the Oregon Immunization Coverage webpage.
For information on vaccination rates for preschools and child care facilities in Oregon, go to: bit.ly/3S7iYW0.
What is a nonmedical exemption?
A nonmedical exemption is when a person chooses not to get vaccinated for personal, religious or philosophical reasons and claims a nonmedical exemption to some or all immunizations, according to OHA.
What is OHA doing to strengthen public awareness and confidence in vaccination programs?
OHA is working to increase awareness and education for primary prevention, public health risks and preventative health services as part of its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
According to Dean Sidelinger, a health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA, it is important to strengthen the public’s confidence in vaccination programs.
“Vaccines have transformed public health by dramatically reducing the burden of infectious diseases, enabling children to grow up in safe environments,” Sidelinger said. “The growing trend of nonmedical exemptions threatens to undo decades of progress and puts us all at risk.”
The plan is also focused on supporting expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children and families in Oregon, according to OHA.
Where can Oregonians find information on vaccinations?
For more information on immunization requirements, Oregonians can visit the OHA website.
For families in need of vaccines, they can contact 211 for support or their local health department.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
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