States that once led in child vaccination fall as they expand exemptions

By: Tim Henderson

Outlets: Stateline

Published: February 2, 2026

Words: 1,382

Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago

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States that were leaders in childhood vaccination before the pandemic are among those losing ground as exemptions and unfounded skepticism take hold, encouraged by the Trump administration’s stance under U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Expanded exemptions for parents are likely to drop both Mississippi and West Virginia from the top national rankings they held before the pandemic, according to a Stateline analysis of federal data. Other states like Florida, …

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