Immunization rates plummet as exemptions rise

Childhood vaccination rates have fallen in 83% of U.S. counties and jurisdictions, according to NBC News and Stanford University data. The United States could lose its measles-free status as the Pan American Health Organization reviews the country’s record this week amid its worst measles outbreak in 35 years. In Illinois, MMR vaccination among children has dropped 3.8% since 2019, while kindergarten vaccine exemptions have risen to 3.5%.