As students prepare to return to school, concerns surrounding vaccination rates and disease prevention are rising. Dr. Rich Besser, former director of the CDC and current president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, emphasizes the importance of vaccinations in protecting children from preventable diseases. He expressed his dismay over the fact that nearly 4% of American kindergartners received exemptions for required vaccines last year, leading to approximately 138,000 children entering school without these essential immunizations.
A troubling link has been observed with this decline in vaccinations—a significant rise in cases of whooping cough. In 2024, the number of reported cases has surged more than sixfold compared to the previous year. Dr. Besser warned that the small percentage of unvaccinated children could translate into a much larger issue in classrooms, as close-knit groups can facilitate the spread of these diseases.
While there have been no new vaccine requirement changes for the current school year, Dr. Besser noted the importance for parents to be vigilant about the laws and requirements within their respective states. With some states allowing exemptions through parental choice or religious beliefs, he expressed concern that misinformation could lead parents to make decisions contrary to their children’s health.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is actively working to combat misinformation by providing parents with accurate information to help guide their vaccination decisions. Dr. Besser highlighted the role of vaccinations, not only in protecting individual children but also in safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
In light of the upcoming school year, parents are encouraged to engage in conversations with their children’s healthcare providers to address any concerns or questions regarding vaccinations. As children head back to school, it is hoped that they will be fully vaccinated, fostering healthier classrooms and communities overall.