Fewer Tennessee kindergarteners got vaccines in 2025-26, per CDC

By the numbers: The share of Tennessee kindergartners with any vaccine exemption reached 4.8% during the last school year, up from 3.8% the year before and 3.6% in 2023-24.

• All told, 3,510 Tennessee kindergartners had an exemption in 2025-26, compared with 2,985 the year before.

Driving the news: The increase came almost entirely from nonmedical exemptions, which accounted for 3,397 children.

Of note: The increase in kids with vaccine exemptions came even as Tennessee's overall kindergarten enrollment dropped.

Zoom out: Exemptions from getting one or more vaccines increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia, growing to a nationwide exemption rate of 4.2%.

What they're saying: The CDC, in a statement, said it continues to encourage parents to discuss vaccination options with their doctors.

• The agency noted that even with the rise of exceptions, vaccine coverage dropped only 0.1% among children entering kindergarten.

Yes, but: It only takes a small drop in the vaccination rate to make herd immunity against measles plummet.

Between the lines: Polling shows childhood vaccines remain popular, but administration efforts to upend longstanding vaccine policies could further erode trust in vaccines and public health, medical experts say.