Kentucky’s kindergarten vaccination rate for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) has dropped to 86.9% for the 2024-2025 school year, falling below the national average by approximately 6%. This decline is largely attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted regular healthcare appointments, and a growing trend of vaccine hesitancy among parents.
Health experts are voicing concerns regarding this decline, particularly in light of recent outbreaks of preventable diseases across the nation. Notably, Kentucky has reported seven confirmed cases of measles in 2025, marking a return of a highly contagious disease. Dr. Steven Stack from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services points out that while there has been a slight uptick in vaccination rates since the pandemic began, the overall trend remains concerning. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high immunization rates to reduce disease transmission risks.
Dr. Mark Burns from the University of Louisville highlights the contagious nature of measles and stresses that vaccinated individuals are significantly less likely to contract the disease, urging parents to understand the critical role of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks. He notes that vaccine hesitancy has become more prevalent, causing parents to question the necessity of vaccinations.
Dr. Julia Richerson from Family Health Centers points to systemic barriers affecting vaccine access, such as office hours, transportation issues, and vaccine costs. She advocates for better coordination within the healthcare system to ensure that children have access to necessary vaccinations, rather than placing the burden solely on schools.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for improvement. As awareness grows about the importance of vaccinations and efforts to enhance access to healthcare services increase, Kentucky has the opportunity to reverse the trend of declining immunization rates. Emphasizing collaboration between public health officials and schools could further strengthen vaccination efforts for the state’s children, ultimately safeguarding them from preventable diseases.