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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children has released a new fact sheet on kindergarten immunizations as the 2025-26 school year begins.

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The fact sheet primarily focuses on vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) among Pennsylvania kindergarteners and emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated for public health.

Data in the fact sheet focuses on MMR vaccines because of the resurgence of measles cases around the United States. However, other childhood vaccines for Pennsylvania kindergarteners – such as ones for whooping cough and polio – are also trending downward.

For the second consecutive year, the state’s MMR coverage rate for kindergarteners fell below the 95% target following the 8,000 children who were not up to date during the previous school year. Coverage rates vary by county, with 44 Pennsylvania counties below 95% and eight below 90%.

Vaccination rates have decreased, while exemptions – mostly for religious reasons – have increased. National MMR coverage is 93%, with only 11 states meeting the 95% target. 

Decreasing vaccination rates heighten the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles. As the 2025-26 school year begins, caregivers are encouraged to schedule wellness checkups and discuss vaccine safety with their doctors.

There are free or low-cost health insurance options for families through Medicaid, CHIP, or the state’s health insurance marketplace, Pennie. The state Department of Health offers free vaccines for uninsured children or those whose insurance does not cover immunizations through the Vaccines for Children Program.

To learn more, check out the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children fact sheet.