In Ukraine, the number of children who refuse vaccination is increasing

• The number of children with exemptions from vaccination has increased to 4.1%
• In 2025, the highest number of measles cases in 33 years was recorded
• 92.5% of children received a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of children who received exemptions from vaccination has again increased in the 2024-2025 school year. The percentage of children who did not receive recommended vaccinations reached 4.1%, surpassing the previous record of 3.7% from last year.

This trend continues after the COVID-19 pandemic, when parents increasingly refuse vaccinations for personal or religious reasons. Most exemptions are not medical, which contributes to a shortage of healthcare professionals.

This year, the U.S. recorded the highest number of measles cases in the last 33 years – 1,333 cases in 39 states. Among the reasons for this increase is a decrease in vaccination rates among children. For example, only 92.5% of children received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, which is a decrease compared to last year.

Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination for preventing outbreaks of dangerous diseases, such as measles and chickenpox. They also indicate that to prevent outbreaks of measles, it is essential for 95% of the population to be vaccinated.

Considering various policies regarding obtaining exemptions and changing parents' attitudes towards vaccination, experts predict further increases in the number of exemptions in the coming years.

Tags: USA/Well-being